By Samuel Adeola
Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka scored as Arsenal eased past Brentford 2-0 at the Emirates on Sunday to maintain their five-point lead in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal, unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions, controlled the game despite heavy squad rotation after a demanding week.
Fit-again Noni Madueke created the opener in the 11th minute, lifting a cross for Merino to head in his second goal in as many games.
Brentford threatened briefly when David Raya tipped Kevin Schade’s header onto the bar, before Arsenal suffered another defensive blow as Cristhian Mosquera limped off, adding to their injury list.
Keith Andrews reshuffled his Brentford side, introducing Igor Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Mikkel Damsgaard, while Mikel Arteta responded with Saka and Eberechi Eze.
Caoimhín Kelleher kept the visitors in the contest with saves from Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice.
Arsenal sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Saka’s low effort slipped under Kelleher, securing an eighth straight home victory and another clean sheet for the league leaders.
