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
Mikel Merino was the hero yet again for Arsenal, picking up a goal and an assist as the Premier League leaders saw off a stubborn Brentford side 2-0 at the Emirates to restore their five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City.
David Raya (8/10):
Outstanding save to tip Schade's point-blank header onto the bar and his handling was good throughout.
Ben White (8/10):
Back in the starting XI and reminded everyone just how good he is in the first half. Excellent down the right, linked up really well with Madueke. Lovely assist for Merino's early goal.
Cristhian Mosquera (6/10):
Arsenal's latest injury victim. Forced off before half-time after an awkward landing.
Piero Hincapie (7/10):
Solid enough. Coped pretty well with the pace and direct style of the Brentford attack.
Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):
A typically strong showing, popping up all over the pitch. Did well defensively and almost scored late on.
Martin Zubimendi (7/10):
Calm and steady as always. Just kept things ticking over nicely.
Declan Rice (7/10):
Made some driving runs into the box and was so close to providing a great assist for Madueke before Henry's last ditch block. Limped off late on with what Arsenal will hope was cramp.
Martin Odegaard (6/10):
Positive signs on his first start since his return. Heavily involved, linked up well down the right and looked fit. Important minutes as he looks to get back to his top level.
Noni Madueke (7/10):
Really lively when on the ball in the first half and caused Henry so many problems. Lovely flick to release White in the build up to the early goal. Set-piece delivery needs work though. Faded after half-time.
Mikel Merino (8/10):
Brilliant centre-forward play to open the scoring. The run and header were superb. Good display, covered so much ground and added an assist for Saka late on.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
Fired one shot over in the first half. Willing runner, but was on the fringes of things before being replaced by Eze.
Jurrien Timber (7/10):
Replaced the injured Mosquera at centre-back in the first half. Solid.
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Made sure of the points in stoppage time from Merino's pass.
Eberechi Eze (6/10):
Saw quite a bit of the ball, but Brentford dealt with him well.
Viktor Gyokeres (N/A):
On for the closing stages.
Mikel Arteta (7/10):
Made some changes to give some players a rest. Unlucky that Mosquera picked up an injury which forced Timber on early.
