Declan Rice has heaped praise on makeshift Arsenal striker Mikel Merino (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images)

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...