Arsenal moved five points clear again by overcoming Brentford in a composed display at Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta adjusted his lineup in three places following the draw with Chelsea, bringing in Ben White, Noni Madueke, and captain Martin Odegaard.
The opening breakthrough arrived early when White and Madueke linked on the flank, allowing the fullback to deliver a lofted ball that Mikel Merino nodded into the net.
Forced to operate in an advanced role due to multiple absences, the Spaniard has remained productive, recording his 13th finish of the calendar year — the highest tally by any Arsenal player in 2025.
The hosts continued to force Brentford back and later doubled their advantage in added time. Merino released Bukayo Saka in behind, and although Caoimhin Kelleher made contact, the shot bounced across the line.
Brentford nearly leveled earlier through Kevin Schade, whose header from a corner was tipped onto the bar by David Raya.
However, Arsenal suffered setbacks as Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice were withdrawn after sustaining issues during the match.
The win pushed Arsenal’s unbeaten streak in all competitions to 18 matches and kept their flawless home sequence running at eight victories. Arteta highlighted the team’s limited recovery window, noting the heavy recent schedule and calling for greater consideration of player welfare.
With a trip to Aston Villa approaching shortly, the squad’s fitness remains a key concern as they attempt to maintain form. Even so, Arsenal continues to adapt and secure results in demanding circumstances.
Brentford show resilience but fall short
Brentford manager Keith Andrews warned beforehand that taking anything from the league leaders would be difficult, yet his side approached the task with commitment. He made five alterations and switched to a back-five arrangement to crowd Arsenal’s attacking lanes, aiming to break forward through Dango Ouattara and Schade.
Set plays offered their best opening, and Schade’s close-range header nearly changed the course of the contest but for Raya’s intervention. That moment proved crucial, as the Bees could not capitalize on their few promising surges.
After the interval, Brentford showed greater initiative and unsettled the home crowd while the margin remained narrow. Their pressure brought half-chances, though none were enough to force an equalizer.
Arsenal’s late second goal ended hopes of a comeback and confirmed another frustrating afternoon on the road for Andrews’ team.
Brentford have managed just one league win away from home this season, a trend that continued in north London.
