Arsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League title race with a composed 2–0 win over Brentford at the Emirates. The result not only preserved their unbeaten home record this season (W7, D1) but also restored their five-point cushion at the top of the table. For Brentford, it was another frustrating outing on the road, adding to a worrying trend of just one away league win this campaign.
Early Control and Squad Depth Shine
With a packed December fixture list looming, Mikel Arteta rotated his squad—but the quality remained sky-high. It took just 11 minutes for Arsenal to break through, thanks to superb link-up play from two of the night’s standout squad options.
Noni Madueke produced a clever flick to release Ben White on the overlap. The right-back swung in a precise cross that found Mikel Merino, who headed the ball into the turf and beyond Caoimhin Kelleher. The goal highlighted Arsenal’s growing attacking variety and the confidence flowing through the team.
Moments later, Madueke almost doubled the lead with a sharp effort, but Kelleher reacted quickly to keep Brentford in the game. The Bees threatened briefly afterward, with Kevin Schade forcing David Raya into an acrobatic fingertip save to push the header onto the crossbar.
Brentford’s Resistance Meets Arsenal’s Persistence
Despite Arsenal’s early dominance, Brentford put up a stubborn fight. Rico Henry produced two vital defensive interventions before half-time as Madueke remained a constant threat inside the box.
After the break, momentum swung in favour of the Bees. Their triple substitution—featuring in-form striker Igor Thiago—briefly unsettled the Emirates as they chased an equaliser. But Arteta responded with decisive changes of his own, introducing Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, who immediately injected energy and control into the attack.
Arsenal gradually regained its rhythm. Long-range efforts from Calafiori and Rice reignited the home fans, while Merino narrowly missed the follow-up from Rice’s rebound.
Saka Secures It as Arsenal Flex Title Credentials
The Gunners continued to push with intent, and the pressure finally paid off. After Kelleher kept out Calafiori’s shot and reacted to a Saka miskick, the England star redeemed himself minutes later. Saka stayed onside, struck firmly, and despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it, the ball powered into the net.
That goal sealed the win, ensured calm throughout the Emirates, and reaffirmed Arsenal’s status as the side to catch this season. They’ve now lost only once in the league (W10, D3), and Arteta extends his unbeaten run against Brentford to nine matches (W7, D2).
Brentford remain stuck in midtable frustrations, having failed to win 20 of their last 24 Premier League London derbies—a streak that now includes another tough night in North London.
What This Means for the Title Race
Arsenal continue to look like genuine contenders. Their flawless home form, squad depth, and tactical adaptability are significant assets—qualities that resonate strongly with Kenyan Premier League fans who follow the European title chase closely every weekend.
With December fixtures coming thick and fast, consistency will be key. And if this performance is anything to go by, the Gunners look ready for the challenge.
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