Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino says every match is vital for the Gunners as they continue to compete on four fronts this season.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has stressed that every fixture carries equal importance for the Gunners, insisting the squad are not prioritising one competition over another as the season enters a crucial phase.

The north London side remain in contention on four fronts after a convincing 4-1 victory over Portsmouth on Sunday secured their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. That result further underlined Arsenal’s momentum across all competitions.

In addition to their FA Cup progress, Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables. Attention now turns to domestic cup action again, with Arsenal set to face London rivals Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Merino made it clear that the opposition or competition makes little difference to the team’s mindset. According to the Spanish midfielder, wearing the Arsenal shirt carries a responsibility that demands maximum commitment in every match.

He emphasised that the players are motivated not just by trophies, but by pride and standards. Merino said the squad are playing for the club’s badge and reputation, and that delivering strong performances is non-negotiable whenever they step onto the pitch.

Arsenal were briefly tested against Portsmouth after conceding an early goal, but once again their effectiveness from set-pieces proved decisive. That strength has been a recurring theme throughout the campaign and continues to be a key weapon for Arteta’s side.

Addressing the focus on set-pieces, Merino explained that nothing changes in their approach, highlighting the consistency of their work on the training ground. He noted that while outcomes can vary, the principles, effort and standards remain constant, and results are often a reward for that dedication.