Arsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League summit with a controlled 2-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night, driven by goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta refreshed his starting XI with three changes from the Chelsea draw, introducing Ben White, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Ødegaard. The adjustments delivered immediate impact.
Merino breaks the deadlock
Arsenal took the lead in the 11th minute. White advanced on the right and delivered a precise cross that found Merino, who powered a header past Caoimhin Kelleher.
Forced into a makeshift striking role due to injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyökeres, Merino continued his productive run.
The goal marked his 13th of 2025, the highest tally by any Arsenal player this calendar year.
Brentford came closest to responding when Kevin Schade’s header from a corner was tipped onto the crossbar by David Raya, but the visitors struggled to sustain pressure.
Saka seals the result
Arsenal doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Merino slipped a well-weighted pass through midfield to Saka, who finished despite Kelleher’s initial touch.
The hosts maintained control after the break, though Arteta suffered two injury concerns, with Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice withdrawn after sustaining knocks.
The result extends Arsenal’s unbeaten streak to 18 matches in all competitions and marks their eighth consecutive home victory, reinforcing their strong position at the top of the league.
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