Five of Arsenal’s crosses came during the 69 minutes before Merino was on the pitch and only one of those was successful. That was because Declan Rice was able to get on the end of one, though, and not Trossard - who was playing as the No9 at that point.

Merino’s late heroics have inevitably led to calls for the Spaniard to be given the nod from the start for this weekend’s London derby – but Merson believes Arteta will resi