Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford: Mikel Merino is at it again! Stand-in striker steps up once more while Ben White offers reminder of his talents as rotated Gunners hold on for victory…

Arsenal player ratings against Brentford: Mikel Merino shines once again! The stand-in striker rises to the occasion while Ben White showcases his skills as the rotated Gunners secure a victory.

Arsenal player ratings against Brentford: Mikel Merino shines once again! The stand-in striker rises to the occasion while Ben White showcases his skills as the rotated Gunners secure a victory.

Player ratings

Mikel Merino emerged as the hero once more for Arsenal, contributing a goal and an assist as the Premier League leaders defeated a resilient Brentford team 2-0 at the Emirates, thereby restoring their five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.

The Spain international, still serving as Mikel Arteta’s makeshift striker, netted a superb header early in the match to open the scoring and later assisted substitute Bukayo Saka in the final moments to secure a vital win for the Gunners.

Arteta seized the chance to implement some changes following Sunday’s draw against Chelsea, with Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, and Ben White stepping in for Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Jurrien Timber.

It was Madueke and White who skillfully collaborated to set up Merino for the opening goal, with the Spaniard cleverly heading in the former’s cross at the near post.

Gabriel Martinelli had an opportunity to extend Arsenal’s lead before halftime but shot over, while at the other end, David Raya made a remarkable point-blank save to deflect Kevin Schade’s header onto the crossbar.

Arsenal faced some tense moments in the second half as Brentford sought an equalizer, but they secured the win late in the game when Saka—who had come on for Madueke—finished off Merino’s pass, restoring Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the table.

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (8/10):

Exceptional save to deflect Schade’s close-range header onto the bar, and his handling was consistently solid throughout.

Ben White (8/10):

Returned to the starting lineup and reminded everyone of his quality in the first half. Excellent performance down the right, forming a great partnership with Madueke. Beautiful assist for Merino’s early goal.

Cristhian Mosquera (6/10):

Arsenal’s most recent injury casualty. Had to leave the field before half-time due to an awkward landing.

Piero Hincapie (7/10):

Adequately solid. Managed to handle the pace and direct approach of the Brentford offense quite well.

Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):

A typically robust performance, appearing all over the field. Defended well and nearly scored towards the end.

Midfield

Martin Zubimendi (7/10):

Consistent and composed as usual. Kept the play flowing smoothly.

Declan Rice (7/10):

Made several penetrating runs into the box and came very close to setting up a fantastic assist for Madueke before Henry’s last-minute block. Limped off late in the game, with Arsenal hoping it was just cramp.

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

Encouraging signs in his first start since returning. Was heavily involved, linked up effectively down the right, and appeared fit. Crucial minutes as he aims to regain his top form.

Attack

Noni Madueke (7/10):

Very energetic with the ball in the first half, causing Henry numerous issues. Delivered a lovely flick to set up White for the early goal. However, his set-piece delivery requires improvement. He faded after the break.

Mikel Merino (8/10):

Exceptional center-forward play to score the opening goal. His run and header were outstanding. Delivered a strong performance, covering a lot of ground and providing an assist for Saka late in the match.

Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

Sent one shot over the bar in the first half. A willing runner, but was mostly on the periphery before being substituted for Eze.

Subs & Manager

Jurrien Timber (7/10):

Came on for the injured Mosquera at center-back in the first half. Solid performance.

Bukayo Saka (7/10):

Secured the points in stoppage time with a goal from Merino’s pass.

Eberechi Eze (6/10):

Had a fair amount of possession, but Brentford managed to contain him effectively.

Viktor Gyokeres (N/A):

Came on for the final moments of the match.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

Implemented some changes to rest certain players. Unfortunately, Mosquera’s injury necessitated Timber’s early introduction.