Declan Rice's three-word message to Mikel Merino speaks volumes after latest Arsenal blow

Declan Rice has made his feelings on Mikel Merino crystal clear after the makeshift striker scored twice in Arsenal's Champions League win over Slavia Prague.

Stepping into the forward role in the absence of Viktor Gyokeres, Merino's second half double on Tuesday helped seal a 3-0 win after a first half Bukayo Saka penalty. The Spaniard cushioned a left-foot volley into the corner inside the first minute of the second half before he added his second in the 67th, nodding the ball past Jakub Markovic as the goalkeeper tried to cut out Declan Rice’s forward ball.

With Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz currently out injured for the Gunners, Merino will likely lead the line once again at Sunderland on Saturday. Gyokeres was not included in the Sweden squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Switzerland on Wednesday so looks set to miss the clash against the Black Cats.

Up front was a role Merino performed so admirably at the back end of last campaign and it's clear he has the full support of his team-mates.

"What a guy," Declan Rice wrote on Merino's Instagram page after the midfielder shared a picture of him celebrating one of his goals. David Raya also heaped praise on his compatriot, simply commenting: "Merigol."

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Merino was previously asked about playing as a striker and insisted he does not feel any pressure. "It's way different to playing as a midfielder but I don't feel that pressure to be honest," the former Real Sociedad man said.

"I think not being a striker is a relief for me because I don't feel the pressure like I should score every single game. The main thing for me is to try and help the team in small details, from the pressing to positioning myself in the best spot for my team-mates to be better, maybe drop when it is needed to get the ball and give some calmness with possession.

"It is a different role to what I am used to but I think I'm adapting really good."

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has no issues with playing Merino in the No.9 role. "It’s a joy to have him, I would say the same thing. It's his versatility on the pitch, the things that he can do," Arteta said.

"It's his mindset, it's his leadership, it's the way he is as a person. Today we are missing a lot of attacking players and we have to find different solutions. He comes in Champions League and scores two goals."

Arteta added: "My view was always he had really good timing and capacity to finish in the box, especially one touch. And then talking to him and making sure that he plays closer to the box and he identifies the opportunities, the timing, the way he needs to attack the spaces in relation to how they defend the box, which today was a bit different as well, the way they set up. And then it's obviously his quality he will need to learn and practise every day."