Merino has done a more-than-passable job of filling in at center forward for Arsenal following season-ending injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
But Thomas Partey‘s suspension forced Merino back into his orthodox midfield role as Trossard played through the middle, his best moment coming when forcing a brilliant save from Donnarumma 11 minutes into the second half.
Dembélé took his goal brilliantly, finding the net via David Raya‘s left-hand post with the sort of clinical finishing that marks him out as one of Europe’s best. In fact, there is a case to argue right now that he is Europe’s best: Dembélé’s 25th goal is the most by a player in Europe’s top five leagues across all competitions in 2025.
Arsenal’s decision not to pursue a deal for a striker last summer or with more vigor in January — when having one bid rejected by Aston Villa for Ollie Watkins — could arguably be the defining moment in explaining why they fell short in challenging Liverpool for the Premier League title.
They are 90 minutes away from facing the same argument in Europe.–ESPN
