Arsenal maintained their unbeaten home Premier League record with a 2-0 win over Brentford.
Arsenal started the match with a bang, taking the lead in just 11 minutes. A clever flick from Noni Madueke released Ben White on the overlap, who lifted a cross into the box for Mikel Merino to head home.
Brentford responded well, with a bright period that saw David Raya forced to tip Kevin Schade’s header onto the crossbar. The Bees had found a foothold in the contest, but Arsenal maintained plenty of threat leading up to half time.
The second half saw Brentford come out strong, with Igor Thiago entering the fray and causing problems for the Arsenal defense. However, Mikel Arteta’s side responded by growing into the game, with Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice calling Caoimhin Kelleher into action with shots from range.
As the game wore on, Arsenal’s pressure paid off, with Bukayo Saka scoring a late goal to seal the win. The substitute stayed onside to power a shot past Kelleher, who palmed the ball into the net.
The win extends Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points, with Arteta’s side still only losing once in the league this season. The result also leaves Brentford in mid-table, having failed to win 20 of their last 24 Premier League London derbies.
