Arsenal beat Brentford 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium with goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table
Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the table after a crucial victory over Brentford and a number of their players impressed. However, the game brought fresh injury worries
Once more it was Mikel Merino who scored the Gunners’ opener, heading beyond Caoimhin Kelleher after Ben White and Noni Madueke combined well down the right. David Raya then pulled off an incredible save from Kevin Schade, tipping the German’s header onto the woodwork.
In the second half, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze were brought off the bench as Arsenal looked to exert control. And it would be Saka whose goal proved the difference at the end of the game.
The injury list grew, though it didn’t prevent Arsenal taking the points. They now face a wait on Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera, while also hoping other injured stars return sooner rather than later.
The result means Mikel Arteta’s side restored their five-point advantage over Manchester City, who won 5-4 at Fulham on Tuesday. Here are our player ratings from North London.
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David Raya – 8
Made an incredible save from Schade’s headed effort. Apart from this, the Spaniard impressed with his distribution and claims as Brentford peppered the box.
Ben White – 8
Delivered a fantastic dinked cross for Merino’s opener. Impressed on what was just his second Premier League start of the campaign, and injuries could see him involved more as the month goes on.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6
Was having a solid game until suffering an apparent ankle injury late in the first half.
Piero Hincapie – 7
Dealt well with Brentford’s aerial threat and produced one big sliding block early on. Made up for the absence of injured centre-back Gabriel.
Riccardo Calafiori – 8
The Italian full-back put in a stellar performance, expertly halting a counter-attack led by Michael Kayode with a well-timed challenge. He also managed to avoid picking up a fifth yellow card which would have seen him suspended for the weekend.
Martin Zubimendi – 7
As usual, the summer signing operated in the pocket in front of the back four, orchestrating play with some neat touches and flicked passes that kept the game flowing.
Declan Rice – 9
Nearly scored in the first half after a drive into the box, but his shot was blocked. He delivered an impressive left-footed cross which required Rico Henry to be on high alert.
The England star once again gave his all on the pitch, eventually having to leave due to a tight right calf. Arteta will hope it’s nothing serious ahead of the clash with Aston Villa in less than 72 hours’ time.
Martin Odegaard – 6
The Norwegian had a relatively quiet first half after returning to the starting XI, contributing to build-up play and linking in tight spaces. He struggled to find the killer pass against a solid Brentford defence.
Noni Madueke – 7
He produced a fine backheel flick to White, leading to the opening goal. His brilliant footwork created an early shooting opportunity, forcing a save from Caoimhin Kelleher, in what was a positive performance all round.
Mikel Merino – 8
Once again, Merino proved crucial, scoring the important opening goal with a great header. He also went close with a long-range shot after a pass from Declan Rice before delivering the perfect pass for Bukayo Saka to score the second and decisive goal.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
There were a few half-chances that the Brazilian arguably should have capitalised on. Despite a promising move down the left flank, his efforts were once again thwarted.
Substitutes:
Jurrien Timber – 7
Stepped in for the injured Cristhian Mosquera, moving to centre-half. He looked incredibly comfortable, effortlessly breaking up Brentford’s attacks, and could have to fill in centrally again over the weekend.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Replaced Noni Madueke and clinched the three points for the Gunners late on.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Took over from Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing but he had little impact on the game save for the occasional nice touch.
Viktor Gyokeres – n/a
Came on for Declan Rice in the final ten minutes of the match. His presence didn’t significantly affect the final outcome.
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