Merino Says Arsenal's Derby Defeat Will Fuel Their Season Ahead
So, after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the North London Derby held in Hong Kong — which, by the way, was the first ever meeting between these two rivals outside of the UK — midfielder Mikel Merino had some really interesting things to say about how the team is processing the loss.
Now, obviously, it’s never fun to lose to your biggest rivals, and that too in a sold-out stadium like Kai Tak Sports Park. But Merino took a very mature approach. He admitted that it wasn’t the result they wanted, but instead of dwelling on the loss, he emphasized the positives — like getting match fit, building connections with the global fanbase, and staying sharp in pre-season. He described the experience as one that still brought a lot of value, even if the scoreboard didn’t.
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What stood out most was how he framed the defeat as “gasoline for the season.” That phrase really hits home. According to him, the disappointment from the loss could actually serve as fuel — something to ignite the team’s motivation and drive for the long, demanding season ahead. He said it’s all about learning and growing, and that this setback could push them to go even harder.
This match also wrapped up Arsenal’s two-week Asia Tour, which included wins in Singapore before the final match in Hong Kong. Merino was blown away by the support they received from fans throughout the tour. He took time to thank the supporters, acknowledging how tough it can be for international fans to follow the team regularly due to time differences. But despite that, he felt the love and energy in every city they visited.
He also spoke about how these kinds of tours offer more than just football — they’re a chance to discover new places and to share the Arsenal culture with different parts of the world. For him, it was about showing the family atmosphere of the club and representing what Arsenal stands for, far from home.
In the end, despite the result, it’s clear that Merino sees this trip — and even the loss — as a net positive. It’s all part of a bigger picture. And if his attitude is anything to go by, Arsenal’s squad sounds locked in and ready to push forward with even more hunger.
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