Arsenal reclaimed a five point lead at the top of the Premier League with a controlled 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.
The league leaders struck early through Mikel Merino and added a late second from Bukayo Saka to secure a win that felt more professional than emphatic.
Mikel Arteta kept changes to a minimum despite a demanding run of fixtures and selected Ben White, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Odegaard from the start.
Arsenal began with confidence and their early tempo suggested a high-scoring evening was in store after a slick move resulted in Merino heading home on 11 minutes.
White overlapped beyond Madueke on the right and delivered a precise cross for Merino to convert, continuing the Spaniard’s excellent form since moving into a central attacking role.
Merino’s goal was his 13th of 2025 and the highest total of any Arsenal player this calendar year.
The early breakthrough lifted the crowd but Arsenal’s momentum faded and Brentford worked themselves back into the contest without ever dominating possession.
The visitors almost levelled when Kevin Schade’s header from a corner was tipped onto the bar by David Raya in one of their few clear sights of goal.
Arsenal maintained control of territory but lacked fluency in the attacking third and the match gradually settled into a tactical battle rather than the open spectacle the first goal promised.
Brentford were encouraged by Arsenal’s defensive issues when Cristhian Mosquera was forced off before half-time to add to a lengthy injury list.
The makeshift pairing of Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie held firm but Brentford targeted set-pieces and long deliveries to test the back line.
Arsenal’s rhythm dipped further after the break as Brentford pushed higher and looked to disrupt the hosts with direct play and early crosses.
Arteta turned to his bench to restore control and introduced Eberechi Eze and Saka for Gabriel Martinelli and Madueke.
Chances remained scarce but Riccardo Calafiori forced Caoimhin Kelleher into a sharp save and Declan Rice also went close before being withdrawn with a knock.
The result was finally sealed in stoppage time when Merino released Saka in transition and the winger squeezed a finish past Kelleher to settle the contest.
The goal gave Arsenal breathing room and reflected a performance based more on composure and defensive certainty than attacking flair.
The win extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions and preserved their flawless home record in the league this season.
Injuries to Mosquera and Rice offered the only concern on a night when Arsenal did just enough to maintain their lead and move one step closer to their title ambitions.
