Arsenal 2-0 Brentford: Merino on target again for leaders

Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League as midfielder Mikel Merino continued his rich form as a makeshift striker by netting against Brentford.

Both sides made extensive changes as they manage a brutal December schedule and it showed in a scrappy, stodgy affair that lacked quality for the most part.

But, as has often been the case since his arrival in north London, Merino was the man with the answers when he powerfully headed in Ben White’s fine cross.

Merino was signed to play alongside Declan Rice in midfield but as Arsenal’s many attacking signings have struggled with form, injury, or both he has emerged as a central figure.

His textbook header was his 14th goal for Arsenal, and his 13th in 2025, more than any other Arsenal player this year.

And when Bukayo Saka came off the bench to add a second in stoppage time and add some gloss to the scoreline the job was done.

David Raya summoned an inspired save to push a header from Kevin Schade onto the crossbar as Brentford looked to respond.

Arsenal were flat for the first 20 minutes of the second half before Riccardo Calafiori tested Caoimhín Kelleher from the edge of the area.

Merino could have had a second moments later when Kelleher couldn’t hold a Declan Rice stinger but the Spaniard lost his footing and slid his shot wide.

A nervy Emirates called for more from the leaders and Saka delivered, his shot slipping through the hands of Kelleher and hitting the net.

Arteta will delighted to win with a depleted side.

He left Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Eberechi Eze, Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres on the bench and had first-choice defenders William Saliba and Gabriel not involved at all.