Arsenal responded to Manchester City’s midweek extravaganza with a display of quiet efficiency, defeating Brentford 2-0 to restore their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side, under pressure after City’s 5-4 thriller at Fulham narrowed the gap to two points, produced a performance that prioritised control over spectacle, underscoring their title credentials in a season of fine margins.
The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute, a moment of intricate teamwork. Noni Madueke’s deft backheel released Ben White down the right flank, allowing the full-back to deliver a looping cross.
Mikel Merino, timing his run impeccably, met it with a firm downward header past Caoimhin Kelleher, the Brentford goalkeeper left rooted as the ball nestled in the net. It was Merino’s third goal of the campaign, a reward for his growing influence in midfield.
Brentford, spirited but limited, offered fleeting resistance. Kevin Schade’s header forced a stunning reaction save from David Raya, who tipped it onto the crossbar, but that proved their only shot on target.
Thomas Frank’s visitors, compact in defence, struggled to transition, their ambition stifled by Arsenal’s pressing.
Arteta, having rotated his squad, injected fresh legs after a sluggish second-half opening. Substitutes Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka added dynamism, though Riccardo Calafiori tested Kelleher first with a low drive.
Declan Rice, influential throughout, drew another sharp stop, Merino skewing the rebound wide before Rice departed with a minor injury.
The sealing goal came in stoppage time, Saka’s persistence paying off. His angled shot was parried upwards by Kelleher, looping agonisingly over the line.
For Arsenal, it was a statement of resilience; for Brentford, a reminder of the gulf at the elite level. With City faltering elsewhere, Arteta’s men look increasingly assured in their pursuit of a first title since 2004.
