Merino and Saka Lead the Charge at the Emirates
Arsenal strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League after a composed 2-0 victory over Brentford, thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka.
Manager Mikel Arteta made three key adjustments to the side that drew against Chelsea, bringing in Ben White, Noni Madueke, and captain Martin Ødegaard. The changes paid off early as Arsenal asserted control from the outset.
The opening breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when White linked up well with Madueke on the right flank before delivering a precise cross into the box. Merino, operating as Arsenal’s temporary striker due to injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Viktor Gyökeres, rose to head home the opener.
“Merino’s adaptability has been vital with our injuries. He delivers every time,”
said an Arsenal staff member before the match.
The Spanish midfielder has been in remarkable form, scoring 13 goals in 2025, more than any Arsenal player this year.
Just before halftime, Arsenal doubled their lead. Merino turned provider this time, threading a clever pass through midfield to Bukayo Saka, who fired past Caoimhin Kelleher. Though the Brentford keeper got a touch, the ball bounced over the line to make it 2-0.
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Brentford had limited opportunities but nearly equalised before Saka’s goal when Kevin Schade’s powerful header was tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper David Raya.
While the performance was controlled, Arsenal faced fresh concerns as Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice were forced off due to knocks.
Nevertheless, the Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions, securing their eighth consecutive home win.
Arteta’s side managed the game well despite a challenging run of fixtures including Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. He opted to keep influential players such as Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Riccardo Calafiori in the lineup to maintain stability.
“We’re finding ways to win consistently, even with setbacks,”
Arteta said after the final whistle.
Merino continued his strong form with a goal and an assist, bringing his tally to six goal contributions in his last five matches.
Brentford Show Fight but Fall Short
Brentford manager Keith Andrews admitted pre-match that facing Arsenal away would be a “tough task,” yet his side made it difficult for the league leaders.
The Bees switched to a defensive back five, looking to frustrate Arsenal while relying on the pace of Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade on the counter. Their set-piece threat was evident once again when Schade came close with his header.
Brentford improved in the second half, pressing higher and unsettling the crowd while the score remained 1-0. But they lacked the final touch, and Saka’s late goal sealed their fate.
The defeat leaves Brentford with just one away victory in the league this season.
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