Mikel Merino celebrates scoring against Brentford.placeholder image
Mikel Merino celebrates scoring against Brentford. | Getty Images
Mikel Arteta returned Arsenal to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners felt as if they shoul d have taken all three points against a 10-man Blues outfit at Stamford Bridge but couldn’t find a killer touch. Mikel Arteta’s side lacked decisiveness in the final third again in midweek but controlled enough of the ball to be able to squeeze past Brentford will relative ease.
Mikel Merino was the difference maker with a trademark sharp header in the first half, the visitors coming close to a reply through Kevin Schade, who saw his header tipped onto the bar by David Raya. Bukayo Saka saw a shot initially saved by Caoimhin Kelleher trickle over the line late on to finish off the match. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated.
Arsenal player ratings
Goalkeeper - David Raya (8)
Pulled off one of the saves of the season to tip a Kevin Schade header onto the bar - those reflexes are quite something. Another clean sheet in the bag but his distribution could have been better tonight.
Defenders - Riccardo Calafiori (7), Cristhian Mosquera (7), Piero Hincapie (8), Ben White (9)
Another clean sheet for a makeshift Arsenal back four is not bad work at all. Ben White was the standout in defence in his first Premier League matches since the opening day of the season.
Despite his time away, White was bright and confident from the off, always looking to combine with Noni Madueke on the right hand side. The full-back provided a sublime assist for the Merino goal. A 20th minute sliding block was rightfully applauded by teammates Merino and Mosquera in what was an eye-catching performance from the former Brighton man.
Cristhian Mosquera looked solid once again before his early substitution while Piero Hincapie’s sharp movement and big leaps from set pieces were impressive. Riccardo Calafiori lost Kevin Schade when Brentford hit the post, but was a regular threat going forwards for the Gunners.
Midfielders - Martin Zubimendi (8), Declan Rice (7), Martin Odegaard (6)
These types of matches allow Martin Zubmiendi to excel with the midfielder covering a huge amount of ground and spraying the ball all over the park. The summer signing kept things ticking over, always in the right place to offer an option.
Declan Rice didn’t grab this fixture by the scruff of the neck, as he can do, but posed an undeniable threat when he did have the chance, working Kelleher with a good shot from distance in the second half. Martin Odegaard was handed his first start with injury and is a welcome returnee to the starting XI, but did fade as the fixture went on.
Mikel Merino bags again as Jurrien Timber impresses from the bench
Forwards - Gabriel Martinelli (6), Mikel Merino (8), Noni Madueke (5)
There’s so much talk about Mikel Merino being a makeshift option leading the line, but the Spaniard constantly proves he is a natural in that position. He slipped away from his marker with ease to nod home his goal. What a blessing it is for Arteta to have the versatile 29-year-old in his side.
Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke did look a level off Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka. Martinelli was full of running but never looked confident, blasting a bobbling but decent chance over the bar after 28 minutes.
Madueke has bags of pace available and caused a headache for the Bees with his nimble footwork. The end product, frustratingly, leaves a little to be desired. Also guilty of some feeble corner kicks.
SUBS - Jurrien Timber (8), Bukayo Saka (8), Eberechi Eze (7)
Jurrien Timber looked incredibly strong as he filled in at centre-back, his slightly smaller statue not stopping him from getting physical. Eberechi Eze was immediately effective and won a hatful of fouls while Bukayo Saka found moments of influence harder to come by but saw a lofted shot trickle into the back of the net late on to put the game to bed.
In other news, Liverpool and Arsenal 'preparing bids' for £74m star as 'transfer list' claims emerge.
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