Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Brentford. The Gunners got off to a strong start and took the lead in the 11th minute when Mikel Merino headed in Ben White’s cross. Arsenal attacked with speed, positioned themselves well in front of goal and threatened to clear. However, they struggled to defeat the Bees after Merino’s goal and were frustrated for much of the night.
In the first half, David Raya made a fine save from Kevin Shade’s header as the visitors were unable to find the back of the net with their biggest chance of the night. Substitute Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal’s second goal in stoppage time just before the end of the game.
Express Sport rates and predicts Gunners players…
Arsenal vs Brentford player ratings (4-3-3)
David Raya: 7
Midway through the first half, Schade’s header hit the crossbar, but he made a fine save. There wasn’t much to do other than that save, but he always provided options for defenders when he had the ball.
Ben White: 5
He linked up well with Noni Madueke on the right flank and provided the cross that gave Merino their first goal, but he sent in a number of wayward shots early on. He looked erratic at times and almost got caught while flicking the ball back to the goalkeeper in the second half.
Cristian Mosquera: 6
He was dragged out a lot in the game against Chelsea at the weekend, but had a quiet night in the first half against the Bees. However, Arsenal’s injury problems in the defense worsened as he was forced off with an injury before the break.
Clown Hincapie: 8
He once again played as a centre-back and put in a great performance to keep Brentford’s attack at bay. He was calm on the ball and alert to danger.
Riccardo Calafioli: 8
At times he placed himself in space on the left flank, aggressively moving forward and participating in attacks, allowing Arsenal to enjoy most of the possession. He was one of Arsenal’s best players on the night with a stunning shot on goal with 20 minutes remaining.
Martin Odegaard: 5
He was handed a starting role at Arsenal for the first time in two months, but struggled to get up to speed. He looks rusty and will likely be back on the bench when the Gunners visit Aston Villa at the weekend.
Martin Zvimendi: 7
He displayed his usual technical ability, controlling the midfield and controlling the play. Declan Rice has been given the freedom to move forward and make things happen.
Declan Rice: 8
He ran as hard as he could, giving his team energy and a huge physical presence. In the second period, he ran up the pitch a number of times, forcing Caoichhin Kelleher to make fine saves. He will be the key to the Gunners’ title charge.
Noni Maduke: 7
They caused all sorts of problems for the Brentford defense from the start and were dazzled with the ball at their feet. However, the boil broke on either side of the break and it was taken off just after the one-hour mark.
Mikel Merino: 8
Arguably the best substitute in the Premier League, he continued to play up front after joining the Emirates as a midfielder. He was again chosen in the lead, ahead of Victor Gokeres, and was particularly threatening in the air. After scoring the opening goal, he contributed to Saka’s attack at the death.
Gabriel Martinelli: 5
Arsenal had a chance to score a second goal just before the end of the half-hour, but the shot went over the bar. He has tried to be available when the likes of Rice and Odegaard have the ball, but he has lacked the final product and will be concerned about his ability to hold his place in the coming weeks.
replacement
Julian Timber: 7
Cristian Mosquera was sent off with an injury just before the suspension, so he came on earlier than expected. The back was solid overall.
Bukayo Saka: 8
Although I was given a rare respite, I got used to the action after an hour of play. He scored his second goal of the night, giving the team new momentum.
Eberechi Eze: 6
Due to Mikel Arteta making two changes, he appeared at the same time as Saka, but remained silent.
Victor Gokeres: 6
He was given game time as a substitute for Rice in the closing stages when the Gunners were leading 1-0.
