Arsenal Beat Brentford to Restore Five-Point Cushion But Liverpool and Chelsea Gutted

The Gunners were in control from the start on an eventful evening in which champions Liverpool and contenders Chelsea were left facing the wall and dusting their own shadows

Premier League leaders Arsenal comfortably beat Brentford 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium to restore a five-point cushion over second placed Manchester City.

The Gunners were in control from the start on an eventful evening in which champions Liverpool and contenders Chelsea were left facing the wall and dusting their own shadows.

Mikel Merino put the Gunners in front in the 11th minute, rising to meet Ben White’s cross with a precise header that gave Brentford no chance.

Arsenal controlled the tempo throughout the first half, with the visitors only threatening occasionally, most notably when Kevin Schade’s header rattled the crossbar.

As the match wore on, Arsenal absorbed pressure and looked dangerous on the break, finally sealing the victory in stoppage time when Bukayo Saka tucked home to ensure the points.

The win extends Arsenal’s lead at the top to five points, reinforcing their credentials as title favorites even amid injuries and defensive rotation. Jurien Timber was given a much-needed rest alongside Saka and Eberechi Eze but Arsenal's depth in squad was the difference to ensure the Bees did not repeat the heroics from last season here.