Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League after a tough 2–0 win over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Mikel Merino, who has become an unexpected goal source for the team, opened the scoring early before Bukayo Saka sealed the victory in the closing minutes.
Merino, originally a central midfielder, has been pushed into the striker role because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
The Spain international has taken the responsibility with confidence, scoring his fifth goal of the season with a well-placed header in the 11th minute. It was also his second straight decisive performance after netting a key equaliser against Chelsea on Sunday.
Before the match, Mikel Arteta urged Arsenal supporters to create a fierce atmosphere, saying the fans must turn up “like animals” to push the team through. The game, however, grew increasingly tense as Arsenal battled to hold on to their lead.
Arteta rotated his squad to manage the heavy December schedule, resting Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber while starting Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Ben White. Arsenal also missed injured centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, but Brentford manager Keith Andrews made things easier for them by leaving out in-form striker Igor Thiago.
Ben White supplied the assist for Merino’s header after linking up neatly with Madueke. Arsenal pushed for a second goal before halftime, but Brentford nearly struck against the run of play when Kevin Schade’s strong header forced David Raya into a brilliant save that tipped the ball onto the crossbar.
Arsenal suffered another defensive setback when Cristhian Mosquera limped off shortly before the break, slowing the team’s rhythm. The second half became a battle as Arsenal struggled to regain their earlier flow.
Arteta introduced Saka and Eze to lift the team’s energy, and Arsenal soon resumed their pressure. Declan Rice tested goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with a powerful 20-yard shot, and Merino came close again from the rebound.
Rice later hobbled off, creating a new worry for Arsenal. But with the game drifting towards a nervy ending, Saka broke free and drove in a low shot that Kelleher could not stop, confirming the win.
Arsenal have now gone 18 games without defeat in all competitions as they continue their push for a first league title since 2004.
The team has finished as runners-up for three straight seasons, but results like this suggest they have learned how to handle pressure, even on days when they are not at their best.
