Mikel Merino became the eighth Arsenal player to play in a World Cup final when he came on for Dani Olmo in the 75th minute, with Martin Zubimendi the ninth as he came on for Rodri in extra-time.

Ferran Torres netted the only goal of the game as Merino, Zubimendi and David Raya added their names to our list of Gunners to win the World Cup.

CAGEY FIRST HALF

With the world's biggest prize up for grabs, both sides started evenly in the heat of New York.

Lamine Yamal had the first opening of the game, linking up well with Dani Olmo, but his shot was deflected into the arms of Emiliano Martínez.

Unai Simon was then quick off his line to deny Lionel Messi running through on goal for Argentina.

Just before half-time, Spain had another chance as the ball fell to Mikel Oyarzabal, but his first-time effort was fired straight at Martinez in the Argentine net. 

LA ROJA MOUNT PRESSURE

After a protracted half-time show featuring Shakira, Madonna, BTS and much more, the stars returned to the pitch for the second half, where Spain continued to dominate the ball.

But the European champions struggled to break down the Argentine back line - substitute Ferran Torres came closest, putting his close-range header into the arms of Martinez.

Following the introduction of Merino, La Roja went close again as Pau Cabarsi tested the Aston Villa stopper from range.

As we moved into stoppage time, and Chelsea's Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow for a late foul on Cubarsi. 

SPAIN WIN IT IN EXTRA TIME

Argentina, who did not have a shot in the first 90 minutes, retreated further after being reduced to 10 players as Spain hunted a winner.

La Roja thought they had the breakthrough after Merino's shot fell to Nico Williams to prod home, but referee Slavko Vincic deemed our midfielder to have fouled Nicolas Otamendi.

Martin Zubimendi was then introduced by Luis de la Fuente in place of Manchester City's Rodri midway through the first half of extra-time. Merino then went even closer, flicking his header just wide of Martinez's left-hand post.

It took a little over a minute into the second half of extra-time for Spain to break the deadlock - Ferran Torres blasting home from Williams' knockdown. 

Argentina went searching for an equaliser, but Lionel Messi's volley was well blocked by Merino, who received treatment for his heroics.

It proved decisive as Spain held on to win a second-ever World Cup crown with our Spanish trio now Premier League winners and champions of the world.