Brief
Merino says post‑Wolves meeting sparked Arsenal’s title win
The Spain midfielder recalls a players‑only talk that, in his view, secured Arsenal’s championship despite later setbacks.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino told the Standard that a dressing‑room meeting held the day after Arsenal’s February 2‑1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers was the moment that "won" the Premier League for the Gunners.
What happened
Arsenal led Wolves 2‑0 before conceding a late equaliser, a result Merino said shook the squad’s confidence. The following day, without manager Mikel Arteta present, the players gathered and each spoke openly about the setback. Merino described the discussion as focused on collective resilience rather than tactics.
What the reports add
The Standard’s piece provides Merino’s own recollection of the meeting, noting that he was sidelined by a serious foot injury at the time. He also details his earlier fear that the injury could end his career, citing a specialist’s comment that the stress fracture he suffered was unprecedented.
What was said
"One slip, and all we heard was ‘same old Arsenal’," Merino said to the Standard. He added, "Giving away a 2–0 lead should never happen. … Everyone spoke up. Nobody talked about tactics. This was about how a group of human beings handle adversity together." He also recalled the specialist’s words: "The situation was even worse, because the specialist who did the scan had never seen a stress fracture in that part of the foot."
How it came about
Merino’s injury kept him out for two months, during which he used a mobility scooter and feared his career might end. He returned to make a brief appearance off the bench on the final day of the season after urging Arteta to risk his fitness. That cameo helped secure his place in Spain’s World Cup squad, where he later scored decisive goals in the knockout stages and blocked a late Messi shot in the final.
Key facts
- Arsenal drew 2-1 with Wolves in February, prompting a player‑only dressing‑room meeting. (standard.co.uk)
- Mikel Merino was injured with a rare stress fracture and feared his career was over. (standard.co.uk)
- Merino returned for a bench appearance on the final league day, influencing his World Cup selection. (standard.co.uk)
- He later scored winning goals for Spain in the World Cup last‑16 and quarter‑finals. (standard.co.uk)
- In the World Cup final, Merino blocked a late shot from Lionel Messi with his face. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Merino reveals key moment that 'won' Arsenal the Premier League”
