HEAVEN 17

Special Nwan can fire us to Euro glory says Merino

- JOHN CROSS

MIKEL MERINO insists Arsenal can win the Champions League and then marked down Ethan Nwaneri for greatness.

The Gunners midfielder believes record-breaking their seven-goal romp at PSV Eindhoven delivered a statement of intent on Europe's biggest stage.

Nwaneri, at 17 years and 348 days, also became Arsenal's second youngest player to start a Champions League knockout game and starred in the win.

It has suddenly changed the mood in the Gunners camp from doom and gloom from a fading season into hoping they can win the biggest prize of all.

Midfielder Merino said: "Whenever you start a competition like this, if you don't think that you can win it, it's better not to come and play.