Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino produced one of the season’s most impressive assists with a fabulous backheel to Gabriel Martinelli against Ipswich Town.
Merino’s flick, which allowed Martinelli to give Arsenal a 2-0 lead at Portman Road, marked a continuation of the Spaniard’s excellent form in the final third. He also created two goals in Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid in midweek.
However, only Merino can say whether he intended for the backheel to find its way to Martinelli.
Here, Telegraph Sport breaks down what could be – if Merino meant it – one of the most intelligent goals of the campaign so far.
The burst forward
In recent months Merino has filled in as an emergency striker, to generally superb effect. Against Ipswich, though, he reverted to his more natural midfield position.
One of Merino’s biggest strengths as a midfielder is his ability to drive forward from deep positions and make an impact in the opposition penalty area. After 28 minutes against Ipswich, he did precisely that.
As soon as Bukayo Saka received the ball in space on the right wing, Merino took off in a sprint towards goal. At this moment, he was Arsenal’s most advanced player on the pitch.
The scans
The most compelling evidence to suggest Merino meant the assist was that he twice looked over his left shoulder to check the positioning of Martinelli on the left wing.
These two scans took place within just three seconds of each other, allowing Merino to form a picture in his mind of the Ipswich defence and the space in the penalty area.
He would have known, therefore, that Martinelli was darting towards the back post.
The flick
Shot or pass? It is impossible to tell for certain. Merino attacks the front post, where he is found by Saka’s low delivery. From there, the Spaniard uses his right heel (his weaker foot) to instinctively divert the ball towards the back-post area, where Martinelli is waiting.
Watch the goal and have your say
“Arsenal SCYTHE through Ipswich to a second!” 🎙️
Gabriel Martinelli doubles Arsenal’s advantage at Portman Road 💥 pic.twitter.com/6543gCQ0Eo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino produced one of the season’s most impressive assists with a fabulous backheel to Gabriel Martinelli against Ipswich Town.
Merino’s flick, which allowed Martinelli to give Arsenal a 2-0 lead at Portman Road, marked a continuation of the Spaniard’s excellent form in the final third. He also created two goals in Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid in midweek.
However, only Merino can say whether he intended for the backheel to find its way to Martinelli.
Here, Telegraph Sport breaks down what could be – if Merino meant it – one of the most intelligent goals of the campaign so far.
The burst forward
In recent months Merino has filled in as an emergency striker, to generally superb effect. Against Ipswich, though, he reverted to his more natural midfield position.
One of Merino’s biggest strengths as a midfielder is his ability to drive forward from deep positions and make an impact in the opposition penalty area. After 28 minutes against Ipswich, he did precisely that.
As soon as Bukayo Saka received the ball in space on the right wing, Merino took off in a sprint towards goal. At this moment, he was Arsenal’s most advanced player on the pitch.
The scans
The most compelling evidence to suggest Merino meant the assist was that he twice looked over his left shoulder to check the positioning of Martinelli on the left wing.
These two scans took place within just three seconds of each other, allowing Merino to form a picture in his mind of the Ipswich defence and the space in the penalty area.
He would have known, therefore, that Martinelli was darting towards the back post.
The flick
Shot or pass? It is impossible to tell for certain. Merino attacks the front post, where he is found by Saka’s low delivery. From there, the Spaniard uses his right heel (his weaker foot) to instinctively divert the ball towards the back-post area, where Martinelli is waiting.
Watch the goal and have your say
“Arsenal SCYTHE through Ipswich to a second!” 🎙️
Gabriel Martinelli doubles Arsenal’s advantage at Portman Road 💥 pic.twitter.com/6543gCQ0Eo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
