Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford: Ben White impresses on rare start as Mikel Merino continues fine run | OneFootball

Defender made the most of his chance but captain quiet on his return

Ben White made the most of his opportunity

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points by beating Brentford.

Mikel Merino scored the opening goal of the game, heading home a cross midway through the first half, and Bukayo Saka sealed the win late on.

The only concern for Arsenal, on an otherwise good night, was that Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice were both forced off due to injury.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 7

Made a great save midway through the first half to keep out Kevin Schade’s header. Kept busy by Brentford’s set pieces.

8

Started a Premier League game for the first time since the opening day of the season. A real threat on the overlap and created the opening goal with a lovely cross.

Cristhian Mosquera 6

The defender was having a solid game, but had to come off before half time due to injury. Even created a chance for Noni Madueke with a deft pass.

Piero Hincapie 7

Has performed well in the absence of the injured Gabriel, and this was another good display. Made a few big headers and blocks.

Riccardo Calafiori 7

Had the freedom to seemingly roam wherever he wanted and got forward a lot. Cropped up in the No9 role at times.

Martin Odegaard 6

Started his first game in two months after being out with a knee injury. Still getting up to speed, but had some nice moments and was steady.

Martin Zubimendi 6

Neat and tidy at the base of midfield, without any real fireworks. Kept things ticking over when Arsenal had the ball.

Declan Rice 7

A typically tirelessly display from the midfield - but a big worry for Arsenal after he limped off towards the end with a calf issue.

Noni Madueke 7

Made an electric start to the game and looked sharp. Combined well with Ben White and helped create Merino’s goal.

Mikel Merino 8 | Star player

Picked to start up front for the sixth game in a row. Continued his good run of form by heading home the opening goal and setting up the second.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Much of Arsenal’s play went down the right flank, so he did not see much of the ball. A fairly quiet performance from the Brazilian.

Substitutions

Jurrien Timber (Mosquera 44’) 7

Thrown on earlier than expected and in the heart of defence, too. Slotted in seamlessly.

Bukayo Saka (Madueke 61’) 7

Named on the bench in a rare move by Arteta. Scored a late goal to kill the game.

Eberechi Eze (Martinelli 61’) 6

A first outing on the left after playing centrally for the past month or so. A quiet cameo.

Viktor Gyokeres (Rice 83’) N/A

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Jesus, Gyokeres