Merino strikes again to extend Arsenal's Premier League lead

Mikel Merino continues to shine as Arsenal's surprise top scorer, leading the Premier League frontrunners to a 2-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday.

Due to injuries affecting Viktor Gyokores, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, Merino has shifted from central midfield to become the key figure in Arsenal's forward line.

The Spanish player has stepped up impressively with five goals this campaign, including a first-half header that broke the deadlock at the Emirates Stadium.

This marks the second consecutive match where Merino has played a crucial role in Arsenal's push for the title, following his leveller against challengers Chelsea on Sunday.

With contributions from Merino and a late goal by Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta's team now leads second-placed Manchester City by five points, after City's 5-4 triumph at Fulham on Tuesday.

Arsenal remain unbeaten across their last 18 outings in all competitions, pursuing their first English championship since 2004.

Having placed second in the Premier League for the previous three years, the team demonstrates vital resilience in securing wins even when not performing at peak levels.

Following their comeback draw against a reduced Chelsea side on Sunday, Arteta worried about possible fatigue and emotional drain impacting his squad versus Brentford.

Arteta urged Arsenal supporters to create an intense atmosphere "like animals" at the Emirates to propel the team towards success.

Ultimately, the crowd's energy was tenser than ideal as Arsenal held firm, yet more exhilarating occasions await if they maintain their lead in the title contest.

To preserve energy for the busy festive period, Arteta rested Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Jurrien Timber on the substitutes' bench, opting instead for Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Ben White, the latter making his initial league appearance since August.

Arsenal grind it out

Missing injured defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal benefited from Brentford manager Keith Andrews sidelining effective Brazilian striker Igor Thiago, enabling the Gunners to secure their first shutout in five games.

Andrews set up a five-man defence to hinder Arsenal, but Merino pierced it after only 11 minutes.

Madueke's astute back-heel set up White to deliver a cross, allowing Merino to time his movement impeccably and head the ball beyond Caoimhin Kelleher from close range.

Arsenal pushed aggressively for another, with Madueke's driven shot denied by Kelleher, followed by White's effort drifting into the side netting.

Against the flow, Brentford almost levelled when Kevin Schade's powerful header from a set-piece was brilliantly diverted onto the bar by David Raya.

Arsenal have allowed just two home goals in the league this term, though defensive woes worsened near half-time as Cristhian Mosquera exited injured.

Mosquera's withdrawal disrupted Arsenal's rhythm, turning the second period into a gritty battle as they struggled to regain their initial momentum.

Arteta countered by substituting in Saka and Eze, instantly boosting Arsenal, as Riccardo Calafiori's effort was comfortably held by Kelleher.

Declan Rice challenged Kelleher with a fierce 20-yard shot that the keeper deflected to Merino, whose effort from near the line sailed wide.

Rice himself departed late on, raising concerns for Arteta.

Saka made sure of the outcome for Arsenal, surging forward to fire a shot that Kelleher could only push into the goal.