Arsenal maintained their Premier League unbeaten home run this season after overcoming Brentford 2-0, leaving the Bees with just an away win this season. Mikel Arteta rested several key players as the December schedule was going to be a very busy one, yet it took only 11 minutes for the Gunners to breach the visitors defense line and take the lead.
Match Overview
Arsenal were awarded a free kick just minutes into the game providing an avenue for them to clear their lines and build from the back after an early pressure from the visitors. The opening 10 minutes of play saw intense activities from both ends of the pitch but Arsenal proved to be the better side by taking the lead in the 11th minute when Mikel Merino headed home a precise ball from Ben White.
The Gunners then surged forward and almost got a second through Ben White from half-space, but his effort unfortunately sailed high and wide. The home side continued looking to extend their lead as Noni Madueke got a shot on target but couldn’t beat the goalkeeper.
Brentford tried to ease the pressure and almost leveled in the 19th minute but Dango Ouattara’s strike from the final third was deflected off target. The Bees then maintained pressure with Kevin Schade making an attempt from the central third, but could only direct the ball well above the frame.
Arsenal asserted dominion over the game for the rest of the first period with no significant play from the Bees at the halftime whistle.
The second period resumed with Brentford on the end of an early opportunity with a free-kick from the middle third. Statistically, Arsenal deserved the lead and Brentford hoped to compensate for a poor first half with intense pressure early in the second half.
The Gunners replied with a strategic change bringing on Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze for Gabriel Martinelli. The game now tilted towards Arsenal’s favour with the hosts looking to capitalize on set piece opportunities. Substitute, Saka then sealed the victory with a late goal in the first minute of stoppage time.
Arsenal are now 5 points clear off Manchester City who are in second place while Brentford will come in 13th place with 19 points from 14 games.
Upcoming fixtures
Arsenal:
Aston Villa vs Arsenal – Sat, 6 December 13:30
Club Brugge vs Arsenal – Wed, 10 December 21:00
Brentford:
Tottenham vs Brentford – Sat, 6 December 16:00
Brentford vs Leeds United – Sun, 14 December 17:30
