In a match where Brentford struggled to maintain control, Arsenal emerged victorious with a score of 2-0. The home team’s journey to win began early, with Mikel Merino scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute. The Gunners solidified their lead when Bukayo Saka netted the second goal at the 45-minute mark of the second half.
The standout performer of the match was Martín Zubimendi, who played a crucial role in midfield with an impressive tally of 138 successful passes.
Defensively, Ben White proved to be essential, clearing six balls from the danger zone, helping Arsenal maintain a clean sheet.
Manager Mikel Arteta set up his side in a 4-3-3 formation featuring David Raya in goal; Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié, and Riccardo Calafiori in defense; Martin Odegaard, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice in midfield; and Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli leading the attack.
Brentford, guided by Keith Andrews, lined up similarly in a 4-3-3 formation with Caoimhin Kelleher as the goalkeeper; Michael Kayode, Sepp van den Berg, Ethan Pinnock, and Kristoffer Ajer forming the backline; Vitaly Janelt, Yegor Yarmolyuk, and Mathias Jensen in central midfield; and Dango Ouattara, Kevin Schade, and Rico Henry in the forward positions.
Referee Tony Harrington officiated the match at the Emirates Stadium.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Aston Villa away in their next fixture, while Brentford will travel to Tottenham for their upcoming match.
With this victory, Arsenal has increased their points tally to 33 and sits atop the league table, whereas Brentford remains with 19 points, positioned in 13th place.
Substitutions for Arsenal
42’ 1H – Cristhian Mosquera was replaced by Jurriën Timber.
82’ 2H – Declan Rice left the pitch for Viktor Gyökeres.
Substitutions for Brentford
59’ 2H – Mathias Jensen was substituted by Mikkel Damsgaard, and Kevin Schade was replaced by Igor Thiago.
60’ 2H – Vitaly Janelt came off for Jordan Henderson, Noni Madueke made way for Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli was substituted for Eberechi Eze.
73’ 2H – Ethan Pinnock left the field for Nathan Collins, while Rico Henry was replaced by Keane Lewis-Potter.
Yellow Card for Brentford:
19’ 2H Yegor Yarmolyuk (Unsporting behavior)