Arsenal 2 – 0 Brentford FC – Match Report

Mikel Merino’s powerful header and Bukayo Saka’s late strike gave us a 2-0 victory over Brentford to extend our unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions.

Good link-up play between Noni Madueke and Ben White allowed the full-back to find the Spaniard, who netted for the second game in a row.

As the game opened up late on, Saka latched onto Merino’s inch-perfect through ball to make it 2-0 and move us five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

merino with authority

It was a new combination down the right-hand side as White and Madueke looked to do damage to the Bees’ backline. An early given-and-go between the pair almost paid off, but it was a sign of things to come as Noni’s flick found White moments later, and this time, the England full-back picked out his man as Merino powered his header into the ground and beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.

The goal was Merino’s fifth of the campaign and his 21st of a goal-laden 2025 for club and country.

Madueke was enjoying his first start since facing Manchester City in September and was making his presence felt, giving full-back Rico Henry plenty of problems and forcing a good save from Kelleher low to his right.

Brentford have showcased how potent they can be from set pieces this season and almost found a way back into the game through a corner. Kevin Schade rose highest inside our box, but his thumping header was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by David Raya to keep the scores level. 

The attacking play didn’t stop down the right for us. This time, left-back Riccardo Calafiori joined the attack, backheeling into White’s path, who found Gabriel Martinelli, but he could only put his effort over the bar from just inside the box.

Madueke almost capped off his electric half with a goal as Delcan Rice produced a precise low cross across the box, but Noni’s effort was well blocked from close range by Henry.

SAka Seals the deal

Brentford continued to threaten with a series of corners and long throws as we stood firm against Keith Andrews’ side. David Raya confidently collected two dangerous set pieces as we preserved our clean sheet.

We introduced Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka shortly after the hour mark to carry more threat in the second period, and they almost had an immediate impact. 

Good play down the right saw a cross drift over to Rice, who fed Calafiori to unleash a low drive that was parried by Kelleher. The Irishman was then able to thwart Merino at the second attempt.

The long shots continued to come from us, Rice the next to have a go after making space on his right foot. Kelleher again parried his effort out into Merino’s path, but our Spaniard slipped as he tried a first-time finish, and the effort drifted wide.

The contest opened up as we looked to put the game to bed late on as Calafiori went close. The Italian led a counterattack and worked his way into the box before blasting his effort goalwards, but again found Kellerher in the way.

But we weren’t to be denied a late goal. Merino slipped through substitute Saka, who cut back onto his left foot to unleash a strike that proved too much for Kelleher as we wrapped up another victory in N5.

what’s next

It’s a quick turnaround following our game against Brentford as we’ll be taking on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, December 6, at 12.30pm. We’re then in action again the following Wednesday, heading to Belgium to face Club Brugge in our sixth match of the Champions League league phase.

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