Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham: Merino and his role as a defensive number 9.

Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1, but the most significant achievement came from Mikel Arteta's tactical discovery: Mikel Merino was given the role of a "defensive number 9". He not only unlocked the Spurs defense with an assist for Trossard in the 36th minute, but also controlled the midfield thanks to his ability to press, win the ball back, and switch play instantly.

The crucial moment in the 36th minute.

During the tense moments of the match, Tottenham maintained their attacking pressure in a few plays. Merino received the ball in the space between the midfield and defense. His chipped pass over Cristian Romero's back set up Trossard in the perfect position, opening the scoring after a change of direction. Many will remember Trossard's goal, but the one who broke through Tottenham's defensive system was Merino.

"Defensive number 9": connecting attacks, neutralizing the midfield.

Merino doesn't play as a traditional center forward, nor as a pure creative number 10. He operates as a false nine with a dual role: acting as a link between the lines when in possession and blocking the opponent's central attacking build-up when out of possession. Whenever Arsenal lose control, Merino drops back to the space between midfield and attack, blocking Tottenham's central passing.

When Spurs tried to get the ball to the forwards, Merino was the first to press, looking to switch the tempo immediately. His fluid movement allowed him to both provide space for Eberechi Eze and Trossard to exploit, and keep Arsenal in control of the game.

The numbers speak for themselves.

• 100% successful tackle rate. (5/5)
• 10winning the dispute
• 4ball recovery

These aren't typical statistics for a center forward, but they fit the role Arteta is asking for. Merino reduces risk in midfield with his energy off the ball and opens up attacking opportunities when in possession.

Developments and emotional highlights

This North London derby wasn't decided solely by Trossard or Eberechi Eze's hat-trick, but also by Merino's tactical discipline. He rarely charged into the penalty area like a true number 9, instead opting to drop deep to stretch the Spurs defense, creating space for his teammates behind him.

Arsenal therefore had both a player to control the tempo at high frequency and a pressing player in midfield to initiate attacks. Every touch of Merino in the corridor between the lines forced Tottenham to adjust the spacing between their defensive layers, and it was these small "cracks" that opened the way for shots on goal.

Arteta's reaction

After the match, Mikel Arteta said: “He was extraordinary. We asked him to play as a number 9, even though he’s clearly not a number 9. But Merino is intelligent, hardworking and always wants to make his teammates better. Performances like that give me complete confidence.” When asked to name Merino’s position, Arteta said: “I don’t know, a defensive number 9.”

Impact and further testing

With Viktor Gyokeres still not at his peak fitness, Arsenal needed a temporary solution that would maintain their pressing structure and quick transitions. Merino was the perfect fit at this time. Using a "defensive number 9" not only solved their personnel problems but also helped Arsenal control the midfield – an area that often decides the outcome of big matches.

Arsenal's next opponent is Bayern Munich. Given the current tactical setup, Merino will likely continue to be deployed as a "defensive number 9" to ease pressure on the midfield and create balance in build-up play. In a match where every pass down the central axis can determine the outcome, this approach allows Arsenal to have an early defensive shield while maintaining control of their attacking structure.