Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table after battling to a 2-0 victory over Brentford. The Gunners started well and went ahead 11 minutes into the match as Mikel Merino rose well to head in a cross from Ben White.
Arsenal threatened to pull clear as they attacked with urgency and got themselves into decent positions in front of goal. But they struggled to break down the Bees after Merino’s goal and were frustrated for much of the evening. David Raya made a fine save from a headed Kevin Schade effort as the visitors were unable to find the back of the net with their best chance of the night. And Arsenal put the game to bed in stoppage time at the end of the match as substitute Bukayo Saka fired in a second goal for the hosts.
Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners players.
Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford (4-3-3)
David Raya: 7
Made a fine save from a Kevin Schade header midway through the first-half as he diverted the ball onto the crossbar. Didn't have too much to do apart from that save but always offered his defenders an option when they had the ball.
Ben White: 5
Linked up well with Noni Madueke down the right and delivered the cross for Merino’s opener. But also sent over a series of wayward crosses in the first-half. Looked shaky at times and almost got caught out in the second-half when playing the ball back to his goalkeeper.
Cristhian Mosquera: 6
Was pulled all over the place against Chelsea at the weekend but had a quieter night in the first-half against the Bees. Compounded Arsenal’s defensive injury issues, however, as he was forced off before the break.
Piero Hincapie: 8
Filled in again at centre-back and produced a fine display as he kept the Brentford attack at bay. Was composed on the ball and was alert to danger.
Riccardo Calafiori: 7
Found himself in space on the left on occasion and was willing to push forward to join the attack, with Arsenal enjoying the majority of possession. Fired a decent effort at goal with 20 minutes remaining and was one of Arsenal’s best players on the night.
Martin Odegaard: 5
Was handed his first Arsenal start in two months and struggled to get up to pace. Looked rusty and will probably drop back to the bench when the Gunners visit Aston Villa at the weekend.
Martin Zubimendi: 7
Displayed his technical ability as usual as he controlled the midfield and dictated play. Allowed Declan Rice the freedom to push forward and make things happen.
Declan Rice: 8
Full of running as he offered his team bags of energy and a huge physical presence. Galloped up the pitch time and time again and forced a fine save from Caoimhin Kelleher in the second period. Will be key to the Gunners’ title charge.
Noni Madueke: 7
Dazzled with the ball at his feet as he caused the Brentford defence all sorts of issues early on. But went off the boil either side of the break and was taken off just after the hour mark.
Mikel Merino: 9
Perhaps the best stand in in the Premier League and continues to excel up front after arriving at the Emirates as a midfielder. Selected to lead the line again ahead of Viktor Gyokeres and offered a threat, especially in the air. Scored the opening goal and then turned provider for Saka's strike.
Gabriel Martinelli: 5
Had the chance to score a second Arsenal goal just before the half-hour mark but fired his effort over the bar. Tried to make himself available when the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard had the ball, but lacked an end product and will be concerned about keeping his place in the coming weeks.
Substitutions
Jurrien Timber: 7
Came on earlier than he would have been expecting after Cristhian Mosquera was forced off with an injury just before the break and was solid at the back.
Bukayo Saka: 8
Given a rare rest but was introduced to the action with an hour played. Gave his team a fresh impetus as he netted the second goal of the night.
Eberechi Eze: 6
Came on at the same time as Saka as Arteta made a double substitution but was kept quiet.
Viktor Gyokeres: 6
Came on in the closing stages for Declan Rice when the Gunners were only 1-0 ahead.