A week of intense demands had unfolded and fulfilled many of the objectives Arsenal likely set out. Yet, Arteta seemed keen to make sure his side did not take their foot of the gas and slip up against Brentford.
As Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke notably returned to the starting lineup, the reliable defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were forced to watch their understudies Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie attempt to replicate their performance at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal primarily threatened down the right wing as Madueke’s energetic spark seemed reignited as Ben White offered his typical overlapping support.
Madueke's flair was exemplified in a clever flick to White whose clipped cross met the head of Mikel Merino. The Spaniard’s sharp dart in front of his marker allowed him to nod home the opener just after 10 minutes.
Although Keith Andrews summoned his big guns like Igor Thiago, who he initially omitted from the lineup, Arsenal remained in control with overwhelming possession.
Substitute Bukayo Saka redeemed himself after missing a golden opportunity by converting Arsenal’s second of the night moments later in stoppage time.
Another statement victory whereby Arsenal also capitalise on Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Leeds United, with the only negatives being minor injuries to Mosquera and Declan Rice, who await to be assessed in due course.
Here are four things we learnt from Arsenal’s win on Wednesday night:
Noni Madueke’s return spells danger and competition
Madueke started for the first time since the 1-1 draw at the Emirates against Manchester City in September, after fully recovering from his knee injury.
A week ago when Bayern Munich visited North London, the England international scored his first goal in Arsenal colours, and a week on Madueke seems to have added an extra percentage, more energised and expressive.
The majority of Arsenal’s attack was concentrated down the right-hand side, as White offered his offensive services while Madueke dazzled with his footwork as an inverted winger.
Experienced Brentford defender Rico Henry held his ground to try and contain Madueke, but Madueke’s trickery and efficient manipulation of the ball caused the defence serious concerns.
Saka was handed valuable minutes to rest before coming on with half an hour to play to replace his compatriot in a straight swap, and he netted the goal that ultimately doubled Arsenal’s advantage.
With both wingers now fit, they will likely jostle for a starting place and Saka knows Madueke will be on his heels.
This selection dilemma attends to rotation, which seems pivotal for these types of players heading into a congested period of fixtures.
Mikel Merino is very clinical, perhaps more than anyone
Not only to add to his equaliser against Chelsea, but to now make it seven goal contributions in six games, Merino scored another headed goal and provided the assist for Saka’s goal from his more conventional midfield position.
His run seemed like the run any forward would instinctively make to get in front of his marker and be ready to receive a cross. He was rewarded for this subtle movement as White’s perfect delivery made it a simple header towards goal, which Merino has been so proficient at executing recently.
Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench in this match against Brentford as Mikel Arteta was keen to err on the side of caution in slowly integrating him back into leading the line.
Arteta had to resort to deploying Merino up front on numerous occasions last season, when the Spaniard steadily improved and justified his adaptability.
His numbers don’t lie this season so far and, even though Arsenal delved into the market for a striker, his intelligence in the box is unquestionable combined with elements of his stature.
Perhaps, he is the one catering to some of the problems the Gunners have been trying to solve.
Arteta could find himself pondering whether his star signing, Gyokeres, should always feature whenever possible, or if Merino and his evidently prolific nature should take greater precedence for certain matches.
Draws will be the main culprit if Arsenal fail to lift the title
Arsenal may have been casting their mind back to when they shared the spoils with Brentford in this fixture in April entering the run-in as Liverpool eventually ran away with the title.
After drawing 14 times last season, this was attributed as a principal reason to Arsenal falling short for another season, and only Everton in the entire Premier League last term drew more games than them.
The key to success this season was always about converting those draws into victories, and early goals will always be a significant part of making that a reality.
Nonetheless, Arsenal left it late to double their advantage on Wednesday night, and against different opposition, they could pay the price. They should aim to dispatch teams early when they have so much momentum.
Injury concerns may cast a cloud over positive night
Following a seemingly awkward landing, Mosquera had to receive treatment and be substituted off towards the end of the first half. Jurrien Timber had to step up and do the job of centre-back given that Saliba and Gabriel remained unavailable.
The extent of the injury is yet to be revealed, however, when he left the field, it seemed nothing too serious from first glance.
The Arsenal manager issued a positive update before the Brentford match on Saliba’s progress to the relief of the Arsenal faithful, saying he is not far away at all from returning. Gabriel will need more time to recover and to nurse his adductor issue sustained on international duty.
Hincapie will likely retain his spot in the lineup for the upcoming fixture against high-flying Aston Villa while who will partner him will remain a doubt as players get assessed over the coming days.
Declan Rice also made way in the latter stages, seemingly with tightness in his calf muscle.
This was perhaps the inevitable consequence of Arteta’s decision to attempt to play Rice for another 90 minutes, and that may come back to haunt Arteta amidst the piling pressure of injuries.