Cesc Fabregas has hailed a tactical decision from Mikel Arteta which has helped Arsenal and transformed their £32million player.

Arsenal can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they travel to Sunderland on Saturday evening.

The Gunners have been in imperious form this season, winning 14 of 16 games across all competitions, though there is a concern regarding the amount of injuries they’re sustaining.

It is their attacking players who are suffering the most, with Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus among those sidelined, leaving Arsenal with no fit, natural centre-forwards.

As he did last season, Arteta has deployed Mikel Merino as a makeshift No.9 to great effect, with the midfielder bagging a brace in the Champions League win against Slavia Prague during the week.

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