Merino brands Caicedo tackle “horrible” after Arsenal rescue point
Moises Caicedo
December 2025
Mikel Merino described Moises Caicedo’s studs-up challenge on his ankle as a “horrible” tackle that he always believed warranted a red card, recalling how his joint bent awkwardly and admitting he was relieved to avoid serious injury before later heading Arsenal’s equaliser. Initially booked, Caicedo saw his punishment upgraded after Anthony Taylor consulted the pitchside monitor and ruled the excessive-force challenge endangered Merino’s safety, with the Spaniard revealing he did not speak to the midfielder afterwards and stressing that mobility and luck prevented a potentially much worse outcome.