Arsenal hosted London rivals Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, aiming for a win that would have taken them five points clear of Manchester City, who had closed the gap with a victory at Fulham.

The Gunners entered the match on the back of a 10-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League. Despite recent dominance over the Bees—Arsenal had gone seven consecutive top-flight games without defeat against them—Mikel Arteta’s squad would remember last season’s home fixture when Yoane Wissa’s late strike earned Brentford a point after Thomas Partey’s opener.

Brentford’s poor away form in 2025/26, with just one win and five losses from six games, suggested Arsenal were in control.

Surprise Omission: Igor Thiago on the Bench

Brentford manager Keith Andrews made a puzzling decision by leaving striker Igor Thiago on the bench, despite his 11 league goals being second only to Erling Haaland’s 15 this season. Thiago was one of five changes from the previous game, marking Brentford’s joint-highest number of alterations in consecutive Premier League matches.

Merino’s Header Puts Arsenal Ahead

Before Brentford could establish themselves, Arsenal struck first. Martin Ødegaard’s shot was blocked, but Ben White’s exquisite cross found Mikel Merino, who powered a header into the net. It was Merino’s 13th goal in all competitions this year and ninth in the Premier League—more than any other Arsenal player in either category. He also now leads English top-flight players with eight headed goals since the start of last season.

This marked Merino’s second goal against Brentford in three matches, and White’s third assist against the Bees. Brentford had already conceded 11 first-half goals this season, only bettered by Burnley (12) and Wolverhampton (13).

Arsenal Dominate Possession

Arsenal’s superiority was evident early, controlling 73% of possession in the opening 15 minutes. Brentford barely threatened, with their first shot arriving only in the 20th minute. Kevin Schade’s effort was their only shot on target all game, while Arsenal responded with four shots in quick succession.

Ødegaard orchestrated the midfield brilliantly, creating three chances in the first half alone, and was Arsenal’s busiest player on the pitch. In contrast, Brentford’s output was minimal. Dango Ouattara attempted only five passes before halftime, and only Ethan Pinnock (96.8%) and Michael Kayode (95.7%) boasted notable passing accuracy. Kayode led the visitors in one-on-one duels, winning nine of 15, but his teammates failed to match his intensity.

Thiago and Late Pressure Fail to Change Game

Thiago came on after the hour mark, but it did little to alter the match dynamics. Riccardo Calafiori’s 66th-minute attempt was Brentford’s first shot on target since Noni Madueke’s in the 17th minute. Arsenal continued to dominate, with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher making five saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

However, injury-time saw Bukayo Saka put the result beyond doubt. Despite Kelleher’s best efforts, Saka’s shot rolled over the line, sealing a deserved victory for the hosts.

Brentford Must Reflect

Brentford’s lack of attacking intensity was stark: just one shot on target, six in total, and only 13 touches in Arsenal’s box. With two-thirds of possession surrendered to one of the Premier League’s best passing sides, perfection in other areas was required—but Brentford failed. Their double Arsenal corners yielded nothing, and they didn’t win possession once in the final third.

It was a frustrating night for Brentford, while Arsenal can now approach their upcoming clash with Aston Villa full of confidence.