Mikel Merino came off the bench to net a pair of crucial, well-taken goal on Saturday, just as it was beginning to look like Leicester were going to frustrate us at the King Power Stadium.
We had huffed and puffed for most of the afternoon, but Merino’s introduction from the bench swung the game in our favour, when he first headed in Ethan Nwaneri’s cross to break the deadlock, then he stole in at the far post to turn home Leandro Trossard’s centre.
The midfielder had been pressed into emergency centre forward duty, and looked right at home in the position.
“It was crazy for me to come on the pitch in that position,” Mikel said afterwards. “Trying to help the team in such a tough game. It was a really, really difficult game against a good side and the pressure was on us.
“But this game is about small details sometimes, about who's more precise in the last metres.
“We were clinical in those last 20 minutes with me trying to make an impact in the box and with my teammates just putting in some amazing balls. We won the game and I'm really, really, really happy.”
Mikel, who had only scored twice for us in his 26 appearances before today, said he was only told he might be needed up front on the morning of the game.
“To be honest, it was just this morning when they told me It was a possibility. I read something in the media, but I wouldn't believe it, but this morning they told me.
“I said I'm ready to do whatever the team needs me to do. I think I showed it, it's about being ready, always with the right mindset, training every single day to try to raise the level and when you have the opportunity, try to take it.”
He was also quick to praise the contribution of his teammates, especially the assists from Ethan and Leo.
“That's what happens when you spend time with each other. When you train a lot, when you see how they like to cross the ball, the timings they need to be in their comfort zone. When you train more and more and more, you create these relationships where everything is easier.
“I saw them with the ball open. I knew what kind of touches they like to make and I just attacked the space. The balls were perfect and I just had to score.”
Mikel soaked up the adulation of the travelling support after the game, who loudly serenaded him during his post-match interview on the pitch.
“It's amazing. It's just an unbelievable feeling,” he beamed afterwards. “The supporters are showing me so much love. I'm really thankful for that. I can only answer by working hard, trying to give them all the love back. and hopefully in the future I can make them proud.
“I'm ready to do the job that the coach and the rest of my team is relying on me to do. Hopefully it will end up with two goals like this every time!”
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