Mikel Merino's embarrassing Valentines gaffe leaves him dedicating brace to WAG

Mikel Merino admitted the goals were a Valentine's Day present

Arsenal's surprise hero Mikel Merino had been left red faced on Valentine's Day.

Merino, 28, netted a brace from the bench as the Gunners pilled the pressure on Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League table. And in his post-match interview, Merino revealed he's dedicating the goals to his wife after forgetting to buy her flowers.

Speaking to TNT Sports reporter Becky Ives, he said: It's the first time in my career that I've played as a striker. The manager told me to use my strengths and I think I did that."

And once asked if he expects to thrown up top again, he added: "I don't think so, to be honest.

"But it's a good day to score because I forgot to give my wife a Valentine's Day present, so I think she'll appreciate this more than a rose or some chocolates."

Lola is the better half of Mikel Merino

Despite his double, Merino was snubbed for the Player of the Match award, which was handed to 17-year-old sensation Ethan Nwaneri.

"He's an amazing player. Every time I do an interview, you guys ask me for him," Merino joked. "That's natural because he is such a talent.

"He has such a wonderful left foot and he put the ball right on my head so that all I could do was score."

Despite his double, Merino was snubbed for the Player of the Match award, which was handed to 17-year-old sensation Ethan Nwaneri.

"He's an amazing player. Every time I do an interview, you guys ask me for him," Merino joked. "That's natural because he is such a talent.

"He has such a wonderful left foot and he put the ball right on my head so that all I could do was score."