Merino backs Arsenal to stay in title race after 'difficult few weeks'

Mikel Merino insists Arsenal will thrive on the pressure of their bid to win the Premier League and has cited the late push in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea as evidence of their character.

- David Hytner

Arsenal conceded Pedro Neto's equaliser in the 70th minute and having been in poor form since the middle of October, it may have been the trigger for them to go under. They had taken one point from three league games and lost at Inter in the Champions League last Wednesday.

Arsenal stabilised and created a clutch of openings in the closing stages, especially when the substitute Leandro Trossard touched just wide from a William Saliba cross, with Kai Havertz well placed behind him. The offside flag went up against Saliba; it was tight and would surely have been reviewed by the video assistant referee.