Arsenal Tighten Grip On Premier League Summit With Comfortable 2-0 Brentford Win

Arsenal continued their steady march at the top of the Premier League with a calm 2–0 win over Brentford on Wednesday night, as Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka delivered the decisive goals.

Mikel Arteta rang the changes after the draw with Chelsea, bringing in Ben White, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Ødegaard. The reshuffle paid off almost immediately, with Arsenal settling into control from the opening minutes.

The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when White surged forward on the right flank and whipped in a dangerous delivery. Merino met the cross with a firm header that left Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with no chance.

Operating in an unfamiliar attacking role because of injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyökeres, Merino once again proved his value in front of goal. The strike took his tally to 13 goals in 2025, the best return among Arsenal players this year.

Brentford’s best opportunity came from a set-piece, as Kevin Schade rose highest at a corner, only for David Raya to claw the header onto the crossbar. Beyond that moment, the visitors struggled to build any real momentum.

Just before the interval, Arsenal struck again. Merino turned provider, threading a clever pass into Saka’s path, and the winger kept his composure to finish, even after Kelleher got a touch to the ball.

Arsenal remained on top in the second half without needing to move through the gears, though Arteta was forced into two changes as Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice both picked up knocks.

The victory stretches Arsenal’s unbeaten run across all competitions to 18 matches and makes it eight straight home wins, further strengthening their grip on the summit of the Premier League table.