\n
Businesslike but bruised Arsenal see off Brentford challenge<\/p>\n
Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka were enough to defeat a high-spirited, well-rotated Brentford team and move the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League.<\/p>\n
However, the win came at a price as Arsenal had Cristian Mosquera and Declan Rice leave the field with injuries ahead of their clash with highly-rated Aston Villa and a busy domestic and European Christmas period.<\/p>\n
The returning Ben White and Noni Madueke terrorized the left side of the Bees’ defense throughout the night and combined to set up Merino’s first goal. Madueke freed White on the right and made the most of it with an inviting cross to Merino, who got in front of Ethan Pinnock and drove a devilish header into the turf past Caoihin Kelleher.<\/p>\n
David Raya had to come into his own shortly after Kevin Shade’s superb header towards goal, but the Spaniard made yet another excellent save with his fingertips to force the ball over the crossbar.<\/p>\n
This was Brentford’s best moment of the game, but not Arsenal’s worst. Mosquera raced to a high ball and landed awkwardly, and with William Saliba and Gabriel already out injured, he was forced to be replaced by Julian Timber.<\/p>\n
Brentford were strong on both sides at half-time, but things faltered from there as Arsenal had the upper hand for the final 30 minutes. After Merino came close to scoring twice, Rice collapsed clutching his calf and was sent off himself, but he was also sent off.<\/p>\n
Despite bringing on some of Brentford’s best stars from the bench, including Igor Thiago, Mikel Damsgaard and Jordan Henderson, the Bees were unable to change the game, and Merino’s through ball was met by Saka and Kelleher’s effort to finish the winger was unable to prevent it from crossing the goal line, sealing the match.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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