“I KNOW I SCORED A STUNNER, BUT THIS MAN DESERVES ALL THE PRAISE!” 🔥 – Mikel Merino HUMBLY HAILS ONE ARSENAL STAR after His UNBELIEVABLE Performance Against Newcastle Today 😱👏
BREAKING NEWS: In a post-match interview filled with honesty and class, Real Sociedad and Spain midfield star Mikel Merino has admitted that despite scoring a world-class volley, he believes ONE Arsenal player completely outshone him and should rightfully be crowned Man of the Match in today’s fiery showdown between Arsenal and Newcastle United! 🔥🔴⚪
The Emirates was ELECTRIC from the first whistle, with both sides showcasing top-tier football, but it was Arsenal who eventually ran riot, putting in a performance that had fans on their feet and pundits completely speechless. Mikel Merino, who was guesting on punditry duty today while recovering from preseason fatigue, praised the match’s tempo and technical quality—but it was his shocking praise for a single Arsenal player that took everyone by surprise!
💬 “Although I scored a beautiful volley today, and yes, it was a special moment… but if we’re being honest, this man deserves the Man of the Match award. His performance was OUTSTANDING. He was everywhere—attacking, defending, dictating. He made the difference today, not me,” Merino humbly said post-match.
So, who is this Arsenal star that left even an elite La Liga midfielder in awe?
👉🏽 Declan Rice.
Yes, the £105m midfield general once again delivered a MASTERCLASS that left both fans and fellow professionals stunned. From the very first whistle, Rice dominated the midfield, breaking up Newcastle’s rhythm, launching quick transitions, and even setting up a crucial goal with a stunning through-ball that cut the Magpies’ defense like a hot knife through butter. 🔥💣
📊 Declan Rice’s Stats vs Newcastle:
93% pass accuracy
4 key passes
3 interceptions
1 assist
1 clearance off the line
100% aerial duels won
It was a performance that reminded fans exactly why Arsenal went all-out to secure his signature from West Ham. Rice played like a man possessed—fearless in tackles, calm under pressure, and always a step ahead.
Mikel Merino, a player known for his own elite passing and tactical awareness, was so impressed by Rice’s ability to dictate the tempo of the match that he called it “one of the most complete midfield displays of the season.”
🗣️ “Rice is not just a destroyer—he’s a conductor, a leader. He’s got the mentality of a champion. Today, he ran the game. Every time Newcastle tried to build, he was there. Every time Arsenal needed a spark, he provided it. You don’t see that very often,” Merino concluded.
While Merino’s volley goal will surely make the highlight reels for days to come, his humility and admiration for Rice’s dominance showed the kind of respect true professionals have for the game—and each other.
🔴 Arsenal fans flooded social media with praise not just for Rice’s performance, but also for Merino’s class act:
> 🗨️ “Massive respect to Merino. That’s a proper football man right there!”
🗨️ “Rice has been worth every penny. Future captain, no doubt.”
🗨️ “The best midfielder in the Premier League right now. Hands down.”
As for Declan Rice, he shrugged off the individual praise after the match, instead crediting the team’s collective effort:
💬 “We played like warriors today. Everyone gave their all. But I appreciate Merino’s words – he’s a top, top player and I’ve always respected him.”
📣 With this kind of momentum and camaraderie, Arsenal look like serious title contenders once again. And if Declan Rice keeps delivering performances like this? There may be silverware waiting at the end of this campaign.
One thing’s for sure: when your opponents are calling you Man of the Match, you’ve done something special. 💫
🟥🟨 DECLAN RICE – REMEMBER THE NAME.