Arsenal 2-0 Brentford: Merino and Saka seal three vital points for Premier League table toppers 

Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka sealed three vital points for Arsenal against Brentford 

Mikel Arteta made three changes from the side that started the 1-1 draw at Chelsea last time out, by resting Eberechie Eze, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber ahead of a busy festive schedule. Fit again Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus were both back on the bench.

While Bees boss Keith Andrews made five changes to his team, as Brentford lined-up in a back five. Aaron Hickey, Nathan Collins, Mikkel Damsgaard and Jordan Henderson all dropped out, while Rico Henry, Ethan Pinnock, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Vitaly Janelt and Kristoffer Ajer were drafted into the starting XI.

Bustling striker Igor Thiago started on the bench after picking up a knock in the dying moments of the 3-1 win over Burnley at the weekend, in a surprising line-up that the more impish observers would ask if Andrews had one eye on Saturday’s midtable game against struggling Spurs, and the Irishman’s former boss Thomas Frank?

Arsenal came into the match in excellent form, unbeaten in their last 17 games in all competitions, even if Manchester City’s 5-4 victory over Fulham on Tuesday evening cut their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a mere two points at kick-off./

Arteta side started with focus, and it was no surprise they went 1-0 up after only 11 minutes, when makeshift - or not so makeshift - striker Merino headed home Ben White’s cross to put the Gunners ahead.

On 21 minutes David Raya displayed excellent reflexes to tip Kevin Schade’s powerful header onto the bar, as the Bees underlined their own considerable set piece credentials through such a chance.

Five minutes later, Gabi Martinelli fired over after a sweeping move, powered along the right flank by the influential White.

On 36 minutes Noni Madueke’s effort was deflected wide for a corner after attempting to get on the end of Declan Rice’s tantalising low cross. As the ball was recycled moments later Mosquera played in Madueke with a delightful crafted throughball on the edge of a crowded box. Alas Madueke, who appeared off the pace, and in need of recalibration, was too slow to capitalise and failed to take the chance.

As we headed onto half time, Merino fired over as the home side failed to undermine their dominance with a second goal.

However, as if to add to Arsenal’s injury woes, Mosquera limped off to be replaced by Jurrien Timber.

On 68 minutes, the indefatigable Rice worked space on the edge of the area to unleash a powerful low drive, that former Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher could only parry, The ball loose with Merino lurking but the distance proved too much of a stretch for the former Real Sociedad midfielder to capitalise.

Gyokeres replaced Rice, who appeared to overstretch when hunting the ball moments earlier, which, given his propensity to influence games offensively and defensively with such boundless energy that his teammates nicknamed him ‘Horse’, any injury could be significant for Arsenal.

As the clock ticked down there was still time for substitute Saka to score after a pwoerful drive that Kelleher could only parry, as the ball found its way into the net. And Arsenal found themselves five points clear at the top of the table once again.