Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal secured a 2-0 win against Brentford last night, further extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table
- Mikel Merino struck in the 11th minute, while Bukayo Saka sealed the victory in added time
- The Gunners now hold a five-point advantage over Manchester City in second place
Match Analysis
Arsenal demonstrated their title credentials with a solid 2-0 victory over Brentford in a London derby, consolidating their position atop the Premier League and moving five points clear of Manchester City. Mikel Merino made an early impact by opening the scoring in the 11th minute, while Bukayo Saka struck in stoppage time to secure all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Another big three points at Emirates Stadium 🌟 pic.twitter.com/HvLdxXVMCC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 3, 2025
The Gunners started the encounter with intent, with Noni Madueke and Ben White proving influential from the outset. Madueke’s clever back-heel found White, whose pinpoint cross was headed home by Merino for the opener. Merino, who had also found the net against Chelsea a few days prior, continued to repay Arteta’s faith, especially as Viktor Gyökeres began the evening on the bench.
Arsenal maintained attacking momentum, with Brentford struggling to contain Madueke. In the 17th minute, Madueke saw his effort stopped by Kelleher, before White fired into the side netting seconds later. Brentford nearly responded in the 21st minute, but David Raya produced an outstanding save to deflect Schade’s header onto the post.
Key Moments and Player Performances
The Gunners controlled proceedings and sought opportunities patiently. Martinelli fired over after a promising move, and Madueke’s next attempt was blocked expertly by Henry. The Brentford defender thwarted Madueke again soon after, dispossessing him in a dangerous area after a brief delay on the shot.
Approaching half-time, Arsenal suffered a setback as Cristhian Mosquera sustained an injury, prompting his substitution for Jurriën Timber. With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães also sidelined, Mosquera’s injury could pose a serious dilemma for Arteta’s defensive options.
Brentford looked livelier early in the second period, winning a succession of corners which Arsenal handled well. However, Arsenal’s performance dipped in tempo and accuracy, with errors creeping in. Brentford’s leading scorer Igor Thiago, omitted from the starting line-up, entered the fray just after the hour mark.
| Goals | Minute | Assist |
|---|---|---|
| Mikel Merino | 11′ | Ben White |
| Bukayo Saka | 90’+ | Mikel Merino |
Decisive Moments and Injuries
Arteta’s substitutions proved inspired, with Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka replacing Madueke and Martinelli to inject fresh impetus. Arsenal soon created two notable chances: Kelleher produced a superb save to deny Riccardo Calafiori, then kept out Declan Rice, with Merino narrowly failing to convert the rebound. A period of scrappy play followed, interrupted only by Rice requiring medical attention before exiting the pitch, though his condition did not initially seem serious.
As the match approached its conclusion, Calafiori’s determined run culminated in a close-range effort that Kelleher stopped. Arsenal’s persistence finally paid dividends at the onset of added time when Merino set up Saka, whose shot was initially denied by Kelleher, but the ball looped over the keeper and crossed the line to confirm the Gunners’ victory.
Premier League Table Impact
This result gives Arsenal a further cushion at the league’s summit. Brentford, meanwhile, were unable to generate meaningful attacking threat throughout, and Arsenal’s sturdy defensive display meant David Raya was rarely troubled after his first-half intervention.
