Mikel Merino continued his unexpected rise as Arsenal’s decisive scorer, leading the Premier League frontrunners to a 2-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday.
Converted from his natural midfield role to lead the attack because of injuries to Viktor Gyokores, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, the Spaniard has embraced the responsibility with impressive efficiency. His first-half header set Arsenal on their way at the Emirates Stadium, marking his fifth goal of the season and coming just days after his crucial equaliser against Chelsea.
With Merino’s drive and a late strike from Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta’s men pushed five points ahead of Manchester City, who edged a dramatic 5-4 win at Fulham on Tuesday. Arsenal’s unbeaten streak has now stretched to 18 matches in all competitions as they chase their first league title since 2004, demonstrating their growing ability to secure results even on less polished days. After their spirited fightback at 10-man Chelsea, Arteta worried the emotional toll might linger, but Arsenal found enough composure to take another significant step in the title race.
Before kickoff, Arteta urged supporters to show up “like animals” and lift the team’s energy, but the tension inside the stadium remained visible as Arsenal clung to their lead. Nonetheless, louder celebrations may soon emerge if they maintain their commanding position. Arteta opted to rest Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Jurrien Timber ahead of the demanding festive schedule, bringing in Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Ben White, who made his first league start since August.
Despite missing centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes through injury, Arsenal were helped by Brentford manager Keith Andrews’ choice to start without prolific Brazilian striker Igor Thiago. That decision contributed to Arsenal claiming their first clean sheet in five matches. Brentford set up with a defensive back five to hinder the hosts, but Merino broke through after just 11 minutes. Madueke cleverly opened space with a back-heel for White, whose delivery found Merino drifting into the box to steer a well-timed header past Caoimhin Kelleher from close range.
Arsenal pushed for a second as Madueke forced Kelleher into action and White struck the side netting. Brentford nearly stunned the hosts when Kevin Schade powered a header from a corner, only for David Raya to tip the effort onto the bar with an outstanding save. Arsenal’s strong defensive home record seemed threatened again when Cristhian Mosquera came off injured before the interval, disrupting their rhythm and turning the second half into a physical battle for control.
Arteta soon turned to reinforcements, calling on Saka and Eze to restore Arsenal’s intensity. Their introduction sparked renewed pressure, with Riccardo Calafiori forcing another important stop from Kelleher. Declan Rice unleashed a fierce strike from distance that the Brentford goalkeeper parried, allowing Merino a chance that he nudged wide. Rice later left the field injured, adding to Arsenal’s concerns.
But Saka ensured Arsenal secured the result, bursting free to fire a powerful effort that Kelleher could not stop, sealing another crucial win and keeping the Gunners firmly at the top of the table.
What you should know
Arsenal’s victory highlighted the growing influence of Mikel Merino, who has become an essential figure in the club’s title pursuit since assuming an unfamiliar role as a makeshift striker.
His ability to fill the void left by multiple injured forwards has provided stability at a crucial stage of the season. Arsenal’s squad depth, strategic rotation, and resilience under pressure proved decisive against Brentford, especially with defensive absences and late injury scares.
The win extended their long unbeaten run, maintained a five-point cushion over Manchester City, and reinforced their credentials as determined contenders for the Premier League crown.
