Jamie Carragher Admits He Was Wrong About Arsenal Star After Remarkable Turnaround
Jamie Carragher has confessed he’s been completely won over by an Arsenal player he once believed should never have been signed. The Gunners cruised to a 4-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday, delaying Liverpool’s title celebrations for a little while longer.
Liverpool remain firmly in control of the Premier League, sitting 13 points clear and needing just three more to secure their 20th league title. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s campaign has been marred by injuries, which have disrupted what once looked like their best title opportunity in 20 years. A third consecutive top-three finish appears likely—though it looks set to be another season without silverware.
Despite that, some positives have emerged. With injuries taking a toll on Mikel Arteta’s attacking options, squad players were called upon—and a few have seized the moment. Among them is Mikel Merino, who has gone from a questioned summer signing to an essential figure in the team, proving doubters like Carragher wrong.
Carragher Praises Merino’s Dramatic Impact
Arsenal paid just over £30 million to land Merino from Real Sociedad last summer. Carragher was initially skeptical, saying at the time, “Signing Merino instead of another attacker seems like a mistake—he’s not a game-changer.”
That assessment may have held early on, as Merino had a quiet start to life in north London. But when injuries hit the squad, Merino stepped up significantly—particularly when forced to play as a striker in the absence of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
In his past 14 matches, Merino has tallied six goals and five assists, playing a key role in Arsenal’s run to the Champions League semi-finals with two assists against Real Madrid. Ahead of Sunday’s game, Carragher told Sky Sports (via Metro), “Merino’s been a revelation since stepping into that striker role. Even though he’s deeper today, he’s got six goals and four assists in his last 13.”
Merino is even being likened to David Silva in some circles and is now seen as one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season. Despite that, Arsenal are still expected to pursue a new striker this summer, with Alexander Isak among the targets.
Nonetheless, Merino’s impressive form has likely secured him a continued place in Arteta’s plans—whether leading the line or returning to his usual midfield role once the regular starters are back.
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