ARSENAL 2-0 BRENTFORD: The Gunners claimed victory at the Emirates thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka against their London rivals as Mikel Arteta rotated his team
Arsenal celebrate
Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Cristhian Mosquera of Arsenal celebrate
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Arsenal returned their Premier League lead to five points with a 2-0 win over Brentford. The Gunners claimed victory to restore their gap over manchester-city-fc>Manchester City, but saw another central defender go down injured.
It did not take even 11 minutes for Mikel Merino to get on the scoresheet at the Emirates on Wednesday. The Spaniard produced some smart movement to attack the front post and head in Ben White's cross.
Cristhian Mosquera, deputising during the absences of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, limped off before half-time to add to Mikel Arteta's concerns. Jurrien Timber slotted into the centre of defence.
The Gunners were not irresistible but controlled against a plucky Brentford side, showcasing their depth as they started December. Keith Andrews had done similar, but even when calling upon Igor Thiago from the bench, he could not find a way past David Raya.
Depth test
A midweek match building into the festive period was ripe for rotation from both teams. Brentford boss Keith Andrews made five changes to his team as Rico Henry came in for Aaron Hickey and Vitaly Janelt, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Ethan Pinnock and Kris Ajer replaced Jordan Henderson, Sepp Van Den Berg, Igor Thiago, and Nathan Collins.
Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, saw fit to leave Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze on the bench. Could a right side of Ben White and Noni Madueke deliver? Of course they could.
The Gunners' threat came from down the right while Martin Odegaard was available to pull strings in the centre. Madueke looked a threat, and White was a menace in attack and defence.
Ben White impressed on his return
Ben White impressed on his return(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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The Arsenal full-back delivered a pinpoint cross for Mikel Merino to open the scoring, as White made his first start and appearance in the Premier League since the opening day.
Itt was an outing that might give England and Thomas Tuchel something to think about if he can earn more time on the pitch. Injuries might make that quickly achievable.
Gyokeres made to wait
Viktor Gyokeres was made to sit among the substitutes once again for kick-off as he returns from injury. The Swede may have had mixed feelings as he saw Mikel Merino get on the scoresheet for the second game in succession.
The former Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund midfielder looks more capable of leading the line each week, and even in welcoming Gyokeres back, captain Martin Odegaard spent more time praising his team-mate.
"There were some positives on Sunday," he said in his programme notes. "it was great to see Viktor back on the pitch – and Mikel got another goal for us.
"He has been unbelievable. He’s so dangerous in the box, he has that smell for goals. He’s always in the right areas and he’s so good in there, so all credit to him."
Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates his goal
Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates his goal
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Gyokeres remains Arsenal's top goalscorer for now, but he will not simply coast into the starting lineup. No Premier League player has scored more headed goals in all competitions than Arsenal’s Mikel Merino since the start of last season.
Those eight efforts prove he is a weapon. Gyokeres, in turn, will need to prove he can be lethal.
David Raya
Arsenal's goalkeeper deserves a talking point for his save from Kevin Schade's header alone. A bullet fired from the German's head but Raya was able to tip it onto the bar with a hand that flashed so quickly it could barely be seen by the naked eye.
It was a moment that highlighted, for all of Arsenal's qualities, that the Spaniard has the ability to emphatically help the Gunners earn their points. Speaking before the game, Arteta revealed Arsenal first tried to sign the shotstopper two years before they succeeded.
(Image: Getty Images)
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Asked if the goalkeeper was his best signing, Arteta said: "It's a very difficult question to answer, but he’s certainly one that is taking us to a different level. He’s certainly a player that has brought something to our way of playing."
With Arsenal's revolving door in the centre of defence, consistency in goal could prove pivotal to Arsenal's title aspirations.
Another injury
Once upon a time, the absence of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes combined would have been a crisis for the Gunners. A partnership of summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie looked well on its way to easing any fears in its second outing.
Before the opening half was done, the 21-year-old was left in pain following an awkward landing and was replaced by Jurrien Timber. The Dutchman was required to temper his attacking exploits to join Hincapie in the centre of Arsenal's backline.
The likes of Hincapie, Timber and Ben White were all signed with versatility across the defence in mind. Now it is paying off.
Arsenal's Man City response
After a dramatic win over Fulham on Tuesday night, Pep Guardiola spoke about his team's credentials for a Premier League title. While he praised Arsenal, the Catalan coach expects his team to take advantage over the course of the season.
“The team who wins the Premier League is the team who grow during the months and this is what we try to do. No injuries, it’s so long. If we push, we will be better and push ourselves and control the situations better,” he said.
Arsenal continue to suffer injuries, but once again picked up points. While Guardiola took solace in his side's goal-scoring, Arteta's men put in a controlled display.
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