Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League after goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka saw the Gunners pick up three valuable points at the Emirates
21:26, 03 Dec 2025Updated 21:28, 03 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta
View 2 Images
Mikel Arteta's changes against Brentford failed to convince(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal beat Brentford 2-0 to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League. A first-half header from Mikel Merino and an injury-time goal in the second-half by Bukayo Saka sealed the three points for a Gunners side who weren't at their best.
Mikel Arteta shuffled the pack in midweek ahead of a busy Christmas run, leaving Saka, Eberechi Eze, Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres on a bench that also featured Gabriel Jesus in just his second time back in the first-team squad after suffering a serious ACL injury last season.
But the two strikers on the bench were forced to sit and watch as Arteta’s favourite auxiliary striker struck again when Mikel Merino headed the Gunners in front after just 11 minutes from Ben White’s cross.
Mikel Merino goal vs Brentford
View 2 Images
Mikel Merino's header gave Arsenal the lead after just 11 minutes(Image: Getty Images)
David Raya was called into action minutes later when he superbly turned Kevin Schade’s header onto the crossbar from close range in the Bees' best chance of the match.
An injury to Cristian Mosquera in the first-half gives Arteta more defensive headaches, with William Saliba and Gabriel both watching on from the stands.
A positive start to the second half from Brentford saw the home crowd left subdued and forced Arteta into attacking changes, introducing Saka and Eze to the team.
While the Gunners were ahead when they entered the field, it was clear their energy and directiveness was needed to spark the hosts back into life.
And the changes almost paid off immediately as Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice both saw efforts from distance well saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. Bukayo Saka sealed the game when Kelleher was unable to keep his effort out just minutes after he missed an open goal.
Here, the Daily Star Sport rates Arsenal's players in the win against Brentford.
Arsenal player ratings:
David Raya: Incredible reflex save to deny Kevin Schade’s header from six yards levelling the scores. 8.
Ben White: Played his first Premier League minutes since the opening day of the season and assisted Merino’s opener with a cross right on the money. 7.
Cristian Mosquera: Solid display until he was forced off with injury in the first-half, adding to Arsenal’s centre-back injury woes. 6.
Piero Hincapie: Commanding in a tackle and comfortable on the ball. Quickly being taken to the hearts of Gunners fans. 7.
Riccardo Calafiori: Hooked in the draw at Chelsea at half-time but put in a much more commanding performance. Saw two efforts well saved by Kelleher. 8.
Martin Zubimendi: Broke up the majority of Brentford’s openings and was tidy in possession as always. Passing range going forward still has considerable doubts. 7.
Declan Rice: Tireless as ever. Forced off with a knock in the second half, Arteta will be praying his problem isn't a serious one. 7.
Martin Odegaard: His recent injury and lack of minutes this season were obvious. 6.
Noni Madueke: Tidy in build-up and linked up well with White down the right. Had to ball pinched off his toes twice when he looked bound to score. 6.
Mikel Merino: Given the nod up front again and delivered his customary headed goal. Dropped deep to link up play that would not be possible if Gyokeres was playing in his position. Match winner. 8.
Gabriel Martinelli: Wastefully fired over shortly before the half-hour mark. Struggled to make his mark again in the first half. A much better option when he comes off the bench and is able to stretch tired defences. 5.
Substitutes:
Jurrien Timber (43): His break on the bench was cut short by Mosquera’s injury. Played at centre-back up against the powerful Igor Thiago was he was introduced in the second half. 7.
Bukayo Saka (61 mins): Few loose touches and passes, and missed an open goal, but sealed the match minutes later. 7.
Eberechi Eze (61 mins): Impact was obvious as he replaced Martinelli on the left, much better and dangerous in possession but ultimately failed to make a mark to kill off the game. 6.
Article continues below
Viktor Gyokeres (83 mins): Returned from injury due to Rice's problem. Would have likely remained on the bench with Merino forced to drop into midfield. N/A