Arsenal reinforced their status as Premier League title contenders with a controlled 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, though the triumph was tempered by another worrying defensive injury.
Routine Victory Extends Gunners' Commanding Run
The result, secured by goals from Mikel Merino and substitute Bukayo Saka, sent Mikel Arteta's side five points clear at the top of the table. This marked a stark contrast to the goal-laden drama of Manchester City's 5-4 win at Fulham the previous day, with Arsenal instead delivering a professional and dominant performance.
The Gunners extended their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions, registering an eighth consecutive home win and yet another clean sheet. Manager Mikel Arteta, with a demanding run of fixtures against Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea behind his squad, took the opportunity to rotate his team.
Arteta's Rotations Pay Immediate Dividends
Key figures Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Eberechi Eze were initially rested. Their replacements made an instant impact. After just 11 minutes, Noni Madueke, recently returned to fitness, combined with the recalled Ben White. White, making his first league start since the opening day, delivered a perfect cross for Mikel Merino to power home a header.
It was Merino's second goal in as many games and his fourth since being deployed as an emergency striker following Viktor Gyokeres' injury. Arsenal dominated the early exchanges, with Madueke forcing a save from Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
The visitors' best chance came from a corner, where David Raya produced a spectacular save to tip Kevin Schade's header onto the crossbar. At the other end, Gabriel Martinelli blazed over after being teed up by the marauding White.
Defensive Worries Cloud Otherwise Perfect Night
The major setback for Arsenal arrived just before half-time. With first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes already sidelined, their deputy Cristhian Mosquera was forced to limp off, exacerbating a full-blown defensive crisis for Arteta.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews introduced top scorer Igor Thiago after the hour, but Arsenal remained in control. Substitute Saka made the points safe deep into stoppage time, his shot looping over Kelleher after the keeper got a hand to it.
While the three points and the five-point gap at the summit will be celebrated, the mounting injury list in defence presents a significant challenge to Arsenal's Premier League title credentials as the festive fixture schedule intensifies.
