Arsenal Cruise Past Brentford 2-0 as Merino Shines with Goal and Assist; Rice and Mosquera Forced Off Injured

Analysis by Hikaru Sakamoto

Wednesday 3 December 2025 

Arsenal Power Past Brentford 2-0 as Merino and Saka Deliver — But Injury Concerns for Rice

Arsenal claimed a comfortable 2–0 win over Brentford on Matchweek 14, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 matches and tightening their grip on the top of the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta’s side came into the match flying high with 9 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss from their opening 13 league fixtures, building their title bid on the league’s most disciplined defensive structure. For this home clash, Arteta named Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in his starting XI as the Gunners pushed to maintain momentum.

■ Merino heads Arsenal into an early lead

Arsenal dominated possession from kickoff, and it didn’t take long for the breakthrough to arrive.
In the 11th minute, Ben White switched play wide before combining sharply with Noni Madueke, who slipped a clever back-heel return pass into White’s path. His driven cross found Mikel Merino, who rose highest to guide a header into the net for the opening goal.

The Gunners recorded eight shots in the first half alone, keeping Brentford pinned deep and struggling to escape their own half.

■ Arsenal control the second half — but miss chances to kill the game

The hosts continued to dictate the tempo after the break.
In the 69th minute, Arsenal produced a flowing passing sequence just outside the box, freeing Rice for a right-footed strike. His powerful shot was parried by the goalkeeper, and Merino reacted quickest to the rebound — but couldn’t keep his footing and failed to convert what looked like a certain goal.

■ Double injury blow: Mosquera and Rice forced off

Brentford had already lost defender Christian Mosquera to injury before halftime, and Arsenal soon suffered a setback of their own.
In the 82nd minute, Rice sat down on the pitch clutching his right calf and was unable to continue, with Viktor Gyökeres coming on in his place. The midfielder had been one of Arsenal’s standout performers on the night, making the injury all the more concerning for Arteta.

■ Super-sub Saka seals the win

Despite the injury scare, Arsenal added a second goal in stoppage time.
Merino threaded a perfect through ball behind the Brentford back line, and substitute Bukayo Saka finished clinically to secure the three points and put the result beyond doubt.

■ Final score

Scorer
Arsenal 2–0 Brentford

Scorers
11’ Mikel Merino (ARS)
90+1’ Bukayo Saka (ARS)

With another convincing display, Arsenal continue their pursuit of their first league title since the 2003–04 Invincibles season.
Next up, they travel to face Aston Villa on December 6, while Brentford head to Tottenham.

The Bigger Picture

This was exactly the kind of midweek victory supporters genuinely value. A 2–0 win and a clean sheet built on control, commitment, and stability. Against a physically demanding Brentford side, Arsenal did exactly what was required, even in the middle of a congested schedule.

Mikel Merino was the clear symbol of the night. A goal, an assist, relentless running, and an ability to appear wherever he was needed — it felt like watching a player who simply refuses to lower his standards, no matter the workload. The half-joking calls from fans to “build him a statue” or label the team “Merino FC” reflect a deeper consensus: he has become indispensable.

There was also real satisfaction with the defensive performance. Despite a growing injury list, Arsenal never lost their structure. Ben White’s return brought immediate calm, Calafiori’s composure stood out, and it’s easy to understand why many pointed to David Raya’s save from a corner as the turning point of the match.

The injuries to Christian Mosquera and Declan Rice are undeniably concerning, but they do not diminish the meaning of this result. In the middle of a punishing run of fixtures, Arsenal continue to collect points and maintain control of the title race. This was another reminder of just how high this team’s floor truly is.

Fan Reactions

Arsenal Fans

• A massive win. This is exactly the kind of match strong teams make sure to take.
• Everyone gave everything in the middle of a brutal schedule. Both the performance and the result delivered.
• It was completely Merino’s night. “Merino FC” feels accurate.
• A midweek clean sheet is absolutely huge.
• Brentford were tougher than expected, but Arsenal never let go of control.
• Merino stood out in every way — goal, assist, and endless running. Honestly needs a rest.
• The schedule is relentless. You can clearly see the fatigue on the players.
• All we can do is hope Rice and Mosquera picked up nothing serious.
• Raya’s save from that corner completely changed the direction of the match.
• White’s return immediately brought calm to the back line.
• Calafiori was ridiculously smooth. Hard to even tell what his natural position is.
• The second half barely stopped, and Arsenal kept the tempo throughout.
• Injuries are piling up at the back, but the structure still holds.
• Merino and Trossard have been incredible value signings.
• Being five points clear of City right now actually matters.
• Villa away will be tough, but this momentum gives real belief.
• Even with rotation issues, the overall structure hasn’t collapsed.
• As attackers start returning, it feels like their turn to support the defense.
• Not perfect, but everything that mattered was there in this win.

What Remains

This was a match that clearly etched one image into view: an Arsenal side that continues to get its job done, even under difficult circumstances. Merino’s influence, the resilience at the back, and the ability to manage the game despite mounting fatigue all fed into a single, shared feeling among supporters.

There are concerns about injuries, and that tension lingers. Still, the trust created by this performance remains intact. A clean sheet, control throughout the match, and another win secured during a congested run of fixtures. The momentum is real, and confidence in this team is growing quietly — but unmistakably.

Source:
sky sports
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13477888/arsenal-2-0-brentford-mikel-merino-and-bukayo-saka-on-target-as-gunners-reopen-five-point-gap-at-top?utm_source=chatgpt.com