Arsenal signed Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad towards the end of the summer window.
The Spain international suffered a shoulder injury in training after swapping the La Liga side for Arsenal.
Merino had to wait until the start of this month to make his debut for the Gunners in the Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain. He made five appearances for Arsenal so far and it includes two Premier League starts.
On Sunday, the midfielder made his first league start at the Emirates in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
He scored his first goal for Mikel Arteta’s side and after the Liverpool draw, Merino had a chat with Cadena Ser. The former Newcastle United is disappointed with the north London club’s failure to secure three points against Arne Slot’s side.
“After watching the whole game, the feeling is one of disappointment because it was a very nice day to take the three points,” he said.
“I think the team could have got something more, but this is the Premier League, and you play against very high-level teams, with very high-level players.
“When you don’t dominate the game 100% it can happen to you. We have to improve, we have to learn from these mistakes, and we’ll surely do so because this team has a winning mentality and wants to grow.”
The 28-year-old, who won Euro 2024 with Spain, talked about the ‘difficult start’ to this season. Merino revealed the support he received from those at Arsenal to overcome this phase.
“It wasn’t the best start for me, but thanks to the staff, my teammates, my wife, my family… everyone helped me to turn things around,” Merino explained.
“Little by little I’m doing it, I still have a long way to go, but I want to improve and learn. The goal helps the team and gives me confidence, so the feeling is getting better.”
