Mikel Arteta faces the media after his Arsenal side swept aside Brentford in a tighter affair than they would have liked.
Arsenal had the ball in the net after just 11 minutes as Mikel Merino headed in a Ben White cross, validating the change at right-back for this midweek clash. David Raya then tipped Kevin Schade’s attempt onto the bar to spare the Gunners from conceding a quick response.
Arteta’s subs again proved important as Bukayo Saka came on to score the winner.
The worry for the manager outside of the game is the injury suffered by Cristhian Mosquera, who appeared to jar his leg awkwardly when landing. Not ideal when William Saliba remains out ahead of the trip to Aston Villa.
Here are the latest updates from the Arsenal manager...
22:00Tom Canton
They're top players; they will cause you problems with the movement. Restricted them to very little, our confidence grew in the second half
21:59Tom Canton
Updateds from the Brentford boss
21:59Tom Canton
Elsewhere, Leeds are now beating Chelsea 3-1, while an own goal from Mukiele has been scored against Sunderland for Liverpool to level the scores
21:49Tom Canton
Just to provide some context, the England midfielder walked comfortably around the field after the game, applauding the fans. We will hear more from Mikel Arteta shortly.
21:40Tom Canton
Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the table after a vital win over Brentford.
The Gunners took the lead, once again, courtesy of Mikel Merino whose header beat Caoimhin Kelleher following the rotated right-hand side Ben White and Noni Madueke’s combination play. David Raya then produced an amazing save from Kevin Schade, tipping a headed effort off the bar.
Looking for more control, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze were brought on. And it would be Saka whose goal proved the difference at the end of the game.
Article continues [here](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/fixtures-results/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-brentford-32994963).
Mikel Arteta faces the media after his Arsenal side faced Brentford at the Emirates (Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Tom Canton
Hello and welcome to Mikel Arteta's post-match press conference after Arsenal's clash with Brentford
All the updates to follow with Arsenal reporter **Tom Canton** from the Emirates Stadium