Arsenal managed with ease, a win on the road to Brentford, to regain the five-point lead on top of the English premier league. An early header from Mikell Merino sent aQuick 1-0 lead, but the league leaders, not comfortable with the 1-0 lead, did not gain the calm they wanted until Saka scored a tap-in on a ft. In muscling the for-it ease goal. Defensively, the gunners were on the top of their game.
The top storylines from the rage of match were as follows:
Does merino play up top for arsenal as a striker now, even if that isn’t positional or tactical plan.
How long will an emergency solution remain an emergency until the solution is promoted to first-team status? Mikell Merino, star of the arsenal versus chelsea match, did not miss the opportunity to play a key role of the match. Scoring a precisely controlled header to open the scoring. His goal, number 4 in 6 matches, plus his assist on Saka’s goal were key in taking an even more comfortable 2-0 lead.
Arteta calls Merino a midfielder playing up front, but that is no longer true. His positive influence at the tip of the attack is undeniable. Might he be less athletic than Arsenal rivals like Kai Havertz or less explosive like Viktor Gyokeres? Sure. But that just means he should be doubling up the lead on rebounds more often. Considering just how well Arsenal’s front line is playing it is a good time to remind you Merino is also very good in the air, a quality of his that is surely going to be very helpful against Brentford’s set-piece threat.
Gyokeres is just set to come back as a substitute before Havertz joins the squad in a few weeks. For now, its up to Merino to keep the role.
Are Arsenal on the doorstep of a full-blown injury crisis?
With both Gabriel and William Saliba unavailable, Cristhian Mosquera’s departure before halftime further complicates an already growing list of central defence vacancies for Arsenal.
Arteta’s only advantage is the depth of his versatility. This time it was Timber, who has previously played central defence, but has mostly spent his time at full back. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori, who also spent most of their time at full back, are also options to fill that slot.
There is good news, Saliba is expected back soon. Arteta hinted earlier this week that the Frenchman could return “within days”. Concern now, however, is around Declan Rice, who left with a suspected calf issue. Based on how he has been playing this season, any absence will be important.
How has the right side of the pitch been performing?
It has been a busy few weeks of Football for Arsenal with a few tricky fixtures lined up against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea so it was no surprise there was a need for rotation. Arteta decided to freshen up his entire right side by changing Timber, Eberechi Eze and Saka for White, Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke.
This was White’s first Premier League start of the season after the opening day and was also a return to the league for Ødegaard and Madueke for the first time in a while after injury.
They worked well together during the first half. Madueke’s flick allowed White some space on the right side, who was able to deliver a cross for Merino, who netted the first goal. Arsenal’s early danger came down that side. Madueke didn’t back down and gave Brentford steady issues.
Saka scoring the second goal and securing the match showed just how important he is and how he and Timber are both likely to play at Villa Park on Saturday. One of the most important selection headaches is in central midfield. Can Arteta start Ødegaard and Eze together in the same XI? If Leandro Trossard is still injured, Eze can be swapped to the left so Ødegaard can play where he is most comfortable in the middle.
What have Mikel Arteta said?
His comments in the post-match are yet to be placed and he is yet to speak to the press.
What is the upcoming match for Arsenal?
Saturday, December 6: Aston villa (Away)
Kick-Off 12:30 Pm UK | 07:30 Am ET
If you would like, I can also prepare a shorter recap, a summary focusing on the headlines, or a version that consists solely of analysis.