ARSENAL 2-0 BRENTFORD: Gunners’ player performances rated after Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the table after a vital win over Brentford.
The Gunners took the lead, once again, courtesy of Mikel Merino whose header beat Caoimhin Kelleher following the rotated right-hand side Ben White and Noni Madueke’s combination play. David Raya then produced an amazing save from Kevin Schade, tipping a headed effort off the bar.
Looking for more control, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze were brought on. And it would be Saka whose goal proved the difference at the end of the game.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:
David Raya – Pulled out an amazing save from Schade’s headed effort, tipping it onto the crossbar. Outside of this, he had to claim and catch balls very well and his distribution was particularly strong. 8
Ben White – Produced a fantastic dinked cross to find Mikel Merino for the opening goal. Overall a very positive return to action for what was his second Premier League start of the campaign. 8
Cristhian Mosquera – Was having a solid game until he appeared to injure his ankle and had to be replaced just before half-time. 6
Piero Hincapie – Produced a great sliding block in the opening exchanges to prevent a Brentford attack. Was tested aerially with Brentford’s high balls and dealt with them well, earning several clearances. 7
Riccardo Calafiori – A fine drive back to defend a Kayode counter attack, which the full-back stopped in its tracks with a well-timed challenge. Overall the Italian had another very impressive performance and importantly avoided that fifth yellow card. 8
Martin Zubimendi – Operated as usual in the pocket in front of the back four pulling the strings and had some nice touches and flicked passes throughout keeping the game ticking over. 7
Declan Rice – Came close to a goal in the first half after a drive into the box, but saw his shot blocked. Found an amazing left-footed cross from left to right, which was only narrowly prevented by Rico Henry.
Ran himself into the ground once again and had to leave the field with a tight right calf. Hopefully not too bad ahead of the clash with Aston Villa in less than 72 hours’ time. 9
Martin Odegaard – First half, the Norwegian was relatively quiet, involved in build-up and linking play in tight spaces. He couldn’t, however, find the killer pass as the Brentford defence held firm. 6
Noni Madueke – A fine backheel flick through to White before the cross leading to the opening goal. Brilliant footwork opened up a chance early on to shoot, which was saved by Kelleher in what was a positive performance for the England international. 7
Mikel Merino – That man again, popping up with the important goal to open the scoring on the night, a great header following White’s cross. Went close following a shot from range from Declan Rice.
Found the perfect pass to Bukayo Saka at the end of the game to setup the second and winning goal. 8
Gabriel Martinelli – Had several half-opportunities which the Brazilian should have arguably done better with. There was a good move down the left hand side but again he saw his efforts thwarted. 6
Substitutes:
Jurrien Timber – Replacing the injured Cristhian Mosquera, the Dutchman moved to centre-half. Looked so comfortable and broke up Brentford attacks with such ease and strength. 7
Bukayo Saka – Came on to replace Noni Madueke and secured the three points for the Gunners with a late goal. 8
Eberechi Eze – Played on the left-hand side after replacing Gabriel Martinelli. Besides some nice touches he had little bearing on the game. 6
Viktor Gyokeres – Replaced Declan Rice for the final ten minutes of the game. Had little bearing on the end performance. n/a
