Arsenal 2-0 Brentford: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

The match turned early when Mikel Merino scored Arsenal’s opener in the 11th minute, slotting home after Ben White’s assist to give the hosts a deserved lead. Just before the break, Arsenal had to adjust with Jurriën Timber replacing the injured Cristhian Mosquera, but they kept their shape. Around the hour, both teams rang the changes—Bukayo Saka came on for Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze replaced Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal, while Brentford brought on Igor Thiago for Kevin Schade, Mikkel Damsgaard for Mathias Jensen, and Jordan Henderson for Vitaly Janelt to inject energy.

Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk picked up a yellow card in the 65th minute for a foul, which didn’t help their cause, and they made further subs with Nathan Collins replacing Ethan Pinnock and Keane Lewis-Potter coming on for Rico Henry. The decisive moment came in stoppage time as Bukayo Saka fired in the second goal in the 90+1st minute, with Mikel Merino providing the assist to wrap up the points for Arsenal.

Arsenal lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with a solid midfield base allowing players like Mikel Merino to push forward and contribute both goals and assists. Ben White provided key support from the back, linking up well for the opener, while substitutions like Bukayo Saka coming on added pace on the wings. Partnerships in the middle, including Declan Rice before he was replaced by Viktor Gyökeres, helped maintain control against Brentford’s threats.

Brentford set up in a 5-3-2 shape, focusing on a sturdy defence with players like Ethan Pinnock and Rico Henry before they were subbed off for Nathan Collins and Keane Lewis-Potter. Midfielders such as Mathias Jensen and Vitaly Janelt worked hard before making way for Mikkel Damsgaard and Jordan Henderson, aiming to build from the back. Up front, Kevin Schade led the line until Igor Thiago replaced him, but they struggled to break down Arsenal’s organisation.

Coral’s Man of the Match goes to Mikel Merino, who was everywhere for Arsenal with a goal in the 11th minute and an assist for Bukayo Saka’s late strike. His all-round display was crucial in securing the win and showed why he’s such a vital part of the team.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Brentford (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Chelsea (A)
• Win: 4-1 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Sunderland (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Burnley (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Arsenal (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Burnley (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Newcastle United (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Crystal Palace (A)

Arsenal have just beaten Brentford 2-0, keeping them top of the table on 33 points with a strong recent run including wins over Tottenham and Burnley, plus draws with Chelsea and Sunderland. They’ll look to extend that form when they face Aston Villa on 2025-12-06 at 12:30, with the visitors sitting third on 27 points and chasing a top spot themselves. This could be a key clash for Arsenal to pull further ahead in the title race.

Brentford have just lost 2-0 to Arsenal, leaving them 13th on 19 points after a patchy spell with wins against Burnley and Newcastle but defeats to Brighton and Crystal Palace. They need to bounce back quickly against Tottenham Hotspur on 2025-12-06 at 15:00, with Spurs level on points in 11th and both sides scrapping to climb into the top half. A positive result here could steady their season and build some momentum.

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