Three things we learned from Arsenal win as Mikel Arteta changes his Bukayo Saka stance | OneFootball

The winger was demoted to the bench for the London derby

Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a victory over Brentford.

Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka scored the goals as the Gunners ran out 2-0 winner at Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side were worthy winners, although Brentford improved in the second half and the game was not killed off until Saka’s late goal.

The win means Arsenal are now, once again, five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

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

Mikel Merino

REUTERS

Merino gives Arteta a headache

The cavalry have arrived for Arsenal in attack - but Merino is showing that he will not give up his place in the team without a fight.

Just like last season, the Spaniard is excelling as a No9 and this was another fine performance from him.

Merino scored the opening goal of the game and he was involved in the second, setting up Saka to seal the win.

Merino has started the last six games as Arsenal’s striker and in that time he has scored four goals and chipped in with three assists.

The Gunners’ attack, as a whole, has performed well, too. They have scored 15 goals, with 13 of those from open play.

It is why Arteta has a headache going into Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa. Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres are both back fit, with the latter coming off the bench for the second game in a row.

But how does Arteta drop Merino right now?

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Saka off the bench, but on the mark

No player has featured more for Arsenal during Arteta’s time at the club than Saka.

Across six years at the club, and various different teams, Saka has always been a constant and integral player.

Arteta has historically been reluctant to rest him, famously saying in 2022 how “the top players in the world, they play 70 matches”.

That stance, however, appears to be softening and Saka was named on the bench for this clash.

Watching the way Ben White and Noni Madueke combined on Arsenal’s right flank, it was no surprise that Arteta felt comfortable to start them and rest Saka.

The pair were electric in the opening stages and the Gunners' opening goal came via them. Madueke’s backheel set White free down the right and it was his cross that Merino headed home.

Saka, though, showed the value of having him on the bench as he sealed the win late on.

Merino’s pass from deep found the winger and, despite the best efforts of Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, the ball found its way over the line.

Declan Rice

Action Images via Reuters

Injuries strike again

Arsenal have been dogged by injuries all season - and their fitness woes show no signs of easing.

Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice were the latest to be struck down. Mosquera limped off before half-time, while Rice did the same in the 83rd minute.

Mosquera appeared to jar his left knee or ankle when competing with Brentford striker Kevin Schade for a header. Rice’s problem was related to his calf.

Mosquera went down and received treatment on the pitch, before coming off for Jurrien Timber.

Timber, who has played at right-back all season, was forced to come on in the heart of Arsenal’s defence because of injuries there.

Going into this game, Arsenal were already without Gabriel and William Saliba - although the latter could be back for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.

Arteta will hope Rice and Mosquera’s injuries are not serious, as Arsenal’s squad has been stretched at points this season, even with their depth.

Last month, Arsenal were short on strikers as Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gyokeres were all injured.

Now, their problems are at the other end of the pitch.