Tim Sherwood shares what he noticed about Mikel Merino at No. 9 after watching him ‘closely’ in Arsenal win over PSV

Mikel Merino Shines as Arsenal Crush PSV – Tim Sherwood’s Key Observations

Arsenal took a massive step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant display against PSV Eindhoven, securing a resounding 7-1 victory on Tuesday night. The Gunners showcased their firepower, with Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino all finding the net within the first half. Despite Noa Lang pulling one back for PSV through a penalty, Arsenal remained relentless.

The second half saw Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard strike early, effectively sealing the match. Ødegaard bagged a second in the 73rd minute before Riccardo Calafiori completed the rout in the 85th.

One of the biggest talking points from the match was Mikel Arteta’s tactical decision to deploy Merino as a No. 9. While this choice has drawn skepticism from some pundits—including Paul Merson—Merino rose to the occasion, proving his worth in the attacking role.

Tim Sherwood Analyzes Merino’s No. 9 Role

Former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood watched Merino closely during the game and was particularly impressed with his off-the-ball contributions. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sherwood praised how the £32 million signing helped orchestrate Arsenal’s attacking fluidity.

“The way Arsenal moved the ball was outstanding. Merino as a No. 9 was a fascinating watch. Even when he wasn’t directly involved, he kept PSV’s centre-backs busy, opening up space for Ødegaard and Declan Rice to make those late attacking runs,” Sherwood noted.

Sherwood also highlighted the brilliance of Ethan Nwaneri, calling him a “little superstar.” Despite Arsenal’s ongoing injury concerns up front, their tactical setup overwhelmed PSV.

“They were simply a class above. Even without a traditional striker, Arsenal had too much firepower,” Sherwood added.

Merino’s Standout Performance

Merino delivered a well-rounded performance, scoring once and providing an assist for Ødegaard’s second goal. His finish at the far post, exploiting a defensive lapse from PSV, showcased his attacking instincts.

Beyond his goal, Merino’s physicality and work rate were evident, as he:

• Won 7 of 11 duels
• Made 3 clearances and 2 tackles
• Completed 74% of his passes

Arsenal will host PSV for the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on March 12, but before that, they face a crucial Premier League showdown against Manchester United on March 9.

With performances like this, Arsenal’s Champions League dream is alive and kicking—and Merino is proving to be an invaluable piece of the puzzle.