Arsenal beat Brentford 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday as Mikel Arteta’s much-changed side scored early and late to seal a routine victory.
WATCH — Full match replay
Mikel Merino scored an early header and despite Brentford hanging in there and David Raya pulling off a fine save to deny Kevin Schade, Arsenal missed several chances to make this a more comfortable win.
In the end Bukayo Saka, who started on the bench, made sure of the win in the 91st minute as the Gunners are now 18 games unbeaten in all competitions.
With the win Arsenal move on to 33 points, while Brentford stay on 19.
Arsenal flex squad strength as Arteta embraces fringe players
Having Saka, Eze, Gyokeres and Timber on the bench with Gabriel, Trossard, Saliba and Havertz all out injured is quite something and Mikel Arteta used this win against Brentford to trust his fringe players. They repaid that trust. Noni Madueke and Ben White were superb down the right, while Merino continues to impress as an emergency striker and Odegaard looked very sharp as he continues his recovery from injury. Even with Mosquera going off injured during the game, the fact that Arsenal’s fifth-choice center back is Jurrien Timber, who can play there comfortably, is quite something. This Arsenal squad is stacked and Arteta is finally deciding to embrace everybody rather than run his key players into the ground. That is a big reason why Arsenal are five points clear atop the table and they looked full of energy after their lackluster defeat at Chelsea on Sunday. (JPW)
What’s next?
Arsenal head to Aston Villa on Saturday, while Brentford head to Spurs on the same day.
Arsenal vs Brentford score: 2-0
Merino 11', Saka 90+1'
Arsenal vs Brentford live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Saka’s shot creeps in!
Merino surges forward and plays in Bukayo Saka. He cuts inside and his shot is saved by Kelleher but the ball loops up in the air and just crosses the line. 2-0.
Calafiori, Saka denied!
Calafiori marauds forward and has a lovely bit of skill then has a low shot which Kelleher saves well. The ball drops to Saka but he’s stretching and can’t get a clean connection on it as Kelleher saves.
Merino can’t finish
Rice, who has been superb, has a shot which is pushed out by Kelleher but it’s straight to Merino. The Spaniard is stretching and gets it all wrong as he knocks it wide.
Calafiori denied
A shot from the edge of the box from Calafiori is saved by Kelleher and Merino goes down when chasing the rebound. No penalty given as Merino looked to collide with Kelleher more than anything.
Saka and Eze on for Arsenal
With 30 minutes to go there are plenty of changes for both teams. Madueke and Martinelli are off with Saka and Eze on for Arsenal. Brentford make a triple sub with Thiago, Damsgaard and Henderson all on for the Bees.
Half time: Arsenal 1-0 Brentford
So far, so good for Arsenal. Mikel Merino’s early header was the difference and they’ve been dominant. But Schade has hit the bar and Brentford remain a threat from set pieces and on the counter.
Mosquera coming off due to injury, with Timber on
Cristhian Mosquera hobbles off with an ankle injury and Jurrien Timber is on in his place.
Madueke denied at the back post
Declan Rice surges forward down the left and his cross to the back post is perfect for Noni Madueke. His shot looks to be heading in but Rico Henry blocks superbly.
Brentford smash the crossbar!
A corner comes in and Schade’s header is tipped onto the crossbar superbly by Raya. What a save that is. Brentford’s first chance of the game almost ends in a goal.
Kelleher denies Madueke
Brilliant feet from Madueke and he dances past two defenders but his shot on goal is pushed away by Kelleher. Arsenal looking really sharp down their right flank, which is really impressive given Saka and Timber were both rested today.
Merino heads home!
Wonderful play down the right from Arsenal and Ben White clips in a lovely cross which Mikel Merino powers home with his head. He can’t stop scoring! “1-0 to the Arsenal!” is the chant at the Emirates.
Arsenal lineup
Raya; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Merino, Martinelli
Brentford lineup
Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Pinnock, Van den Berg, Henry; Janelt, Yarmoliuk, Jensen; Schade, Ouattara
Arsenal team news, focus
QUESTIONABLE: William Saliba (knock - MORE), Leandro Trossard (leg), Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh - MORE), Kai Havertz (knee - MORE)
Brentford team news, focus
OUT: Antoni Milambo (knee), Fabio Carvalho (torn ACL), Josh Dasilva (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Igor Thiago (unspecified)
Arsenal vs Brentford preview
Arsenal have dropped points twice in their last three Premier League outings, the most recent one being a confounding 1-1 draw with 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The schedule refuses to relent for Arsenal even if Brentford aren’t as strong a foe as the last three of Spurs, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. The Gunners have one fewer day’s rest than Brentford, who’ve played just one game in the period Arsenal have played three.
Brentford beat Burnley 3-1 on Saturday to give them five wins from their last eight Premier League matches. The Bees have delivered a respectable start to life after Thomas Frank, as first-time boss Keith Andrews is pushing the right buttons and Igor Thiago’s goal total has only been bettered by Erling Haaland.
Arsenal vs Brentford prediction
The Bees’ powerful attack has been enough to overcome their sometimes-leaky back line more often than not, but this is a pretty big request as Arsenal are getting healthier up front and will be ornery following the Chelsea draw. The Emirates will back their boys, and their boys should reward that faith. Arsenal 2-1 Brentford.
How to watch Arsenal vs Brentford live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 2:30pm ET Wednesday
Venue: Emirates Stadium — North London
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
