‘We Saw Everything’ - Merino Claims Trolls Fuelled Arsenal Title

Mikel Merino has revealed that Arsenal’s players used the criticism and mockery they faced on social media as fuel during last season’s title run-in.

Writing in a personal essay for The Players' Tribune, the midfielder explained that the squad saw everything that was said about them, particularly after their 2-2 draw at Wolves in February, which led to familiar claims of 'same old Arsenal'.

Merino recited the accusations the players came across online, from being labelled bottlers and perennial runners-up after three consecutive second-place finishes, to claims that they were boring, too reliant on set pieces, unable to score from open play and incapable of handling pressure.

Rather than being affected by it, he said the squad made a conscious decision to use it as motivation. When their professionalism was questioned, Merino explained, the group only grew closer, and he added that the Manchester City fan 'with the bottle on TV' simply made them laugh.

The criticism reached its peak around that period. Pundit Chris Sutton claimed Arsenal would be the 'ugliest' title winners in Premier League history, whilst then-Liverpool boss Arne Slot said he no longer enjoyed watching some matches due to the growing reliance on set pieces. Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler also accused the Gunners of time-wasting at corners and throw-ins.

Arteta was unapologetic at the time, insisting he was upset his side did not score more from corners and describing the criticism as part of the job.

Merino praised the manager’s influence during that spell, saying Arteta was 'on fire' in his team talks and crediting him for the culture within the squad. He said that even when the outside world expected Arsenal to collapse, he felt confident the title would be theirs.

Arsenal responded by demolishing Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby days after the Wolves draw, and went on to win nine of their remaining eleven league games. The title was eventually sealed when Manchester City were held by Bournemouth, with Merino describing the moment the final whistle went as the biggest roar of his life.

The set-piece narrative has since been turned on its head. Arsenal scored a Premier League record 18 goals from corners last season, but this term they have scored 20 of their 21 goals from open play, the highest proportion of any side in the division, according to Opta.

Arsenal now look to retain the Premier League title this campaign for the first time in the club's history, with a trip to Nottingham Forest this weekend up next.