Arsenal inspired win over Brentford as Merino and Saka score in a 2-0 Premier League victory that strengthens their five-point lead at the top

Mikel Merino produced another decisive display as his Arsenal inspired win guided the Premier League leaders to a 2-0 victory against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

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Mikel Arteta deployed the Spain international as a makeshift striker due to injuries to Viktor Gyokores, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino opened the scoring with a precise header after 11 minutes, extending his impressive tally to five goals this season.

The midfielder has become a crucial figure in Arsenal’s title push, following his equaliser at Chelsea on Sunday.

Bukayo Saka sealed the win with a late strike that moved Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, who defeated Fulham 5-4 on Tuesday.

Arteta’s team are now unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions as they chase their first league title since 2004.

Arteta rotated his squad to ease the festive fixture load, resting Saka, Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber, and restoring Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Ben White to the starting line-up.

Arsenal were also without injured defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, but Brentford manager Keith Andrews left Igor Thiago on the bench, easing pressure on the home side.

Madueke created the opener with a clever back-heel that released White, whose cross was expertly guided home by Merino.

Arsenal dominated the first half, with Madueke and White forcing saves from Caoimhin Kelleher.

Brentford nearly equalised through Kevin Schade, whose header was tipped onto the bar by David Raya in one of the game’s standout moments.

Arsenal lost Cristhian Mosquera to injury before half-time, disrupting their rhythm, and the second half became more combative as Brentford attempted to claw their way back.

Arteta introduced Saka and Eze to restore control, with Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice testing Kelleher. Rice later limped off, raising concerns for Arteta ahead of a congested schedule.

Saka ensured the points were safe when he broke clear and fired in a powerful shot that Kelleher could only parry into the net.

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Arsenal’s determined performance underscored their growing resilience as the title race intensifies.