Arsenal will play 8 official matches in December, including 6 Premier League games, 1 UEFA Champions League fixture and 1 EFL Cup tie. These 8 matches are spread over 27 days, meaning the Gunners will take the field on average every less than 4 days.
If Gabriel Jesus think returning to fitness means reclaiming their place in Arsenal's lineup, they may need to completely reassess the situation. Martin Odegaard Merino has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, and for manager Mikel Arteta, the makeshift striker now seems to be the first choice – and he thoroughly deserves it.
Arsenal never intended to use Merino as a striker this season, but his performances in the role over the past month have been so impressive that he must now be regarded as the undisputed starter. The Spaniard scored in the hard-fought win over Brentford, his fourth goal in six games since moving to center-forward.
However, Merino's contributions extend beyond goals. Since Kiwior's injury and Merino's inclusion in the team, Arsenal's attacking play has also flourished. Merino has energized Arsenal's attackers in a way– a big-money summer signing from Sporting CP – has yet to achieve.
This was not a typical game where Arsenal played fluid attacking football for 90 minutes. Brentford denied Arteta's side their usual rhythm, making the match more chaotic than Arsenal had hoped until Bukayo Saka sealed the win in stoppage time.
But Arsenal got the job done again, leading the table by five points, with Merino proving to be the team's decisive man. His header in the 11th minute capped off the game's most brilliant attack, and his late pass set up Saka's second goal. Whether against Bayern Munich or Brentford, Merino has truly become a player for all occasions.
In four weeks as a striker, the converted midfielder has contributed four goals and three assists. Despite Arteta having Kiwior, Jesus, and the currently injured Kai Havertz in his squad, it may be time to stop viewing him as a midfielder and instead as a genuine long-term option in attack.
"He was incredible again," Arteta said of Merino. "He was everywhere, in great form. He makes the team better.
“It comes from his curiosity, his desire to learn, and perhaps his willingness to help the team. He knew we had a big problem: Kiwior injured, Havertz out, Jesus out. So we needed a solution. He did well last year, and this season he's probably taken another step. He can do more things. The team is very grateful to him – and he's enjoying it.”
Merino's consistent excellence was Arteta's biggest joy on the night, but it was also a memorable occasion for Ben White. The right-back, who has lost his place to Jurriën Timber this season, made his first Premier League start of the campaign (since the opening round) and showcased his quality at both ends of the pitch.
But it wasn't all good news for Arsenal. Center-back Gabriel Mosquera limped off in the first half, joining injured defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, while Declan Rice also picked up a late knock. Although Arsenal have good squad depth, a long-term absence for Rice would still be a major problem. "We'll have to check on him tomorrow," Arteta said. "He couldn't continue."
Brentford's team selection didn't show strong ambition to win, with their four key players – Igor Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Nathan Collins – all on the bench. But under Keith Andrews, just like in Thomas Frank's tenure in previous years, they always manage to trouble top teams. Especially in the second half, they prevented Arsenal from creating regular goalscoring chances.
Arsenal started brightly, with White and Noni Madueke causing problems on the right. They combined beautifully for Merino's goal, with White delivering a precise cross and Merino heading home powerfully. It was Merino's eighth header goal since the start of last season – more than any other player in the Premier League in that period.
The goal came from a 14-pass move involving all ten of Arsenal's outfield players, and there were more examples of fluid play early on. At one point, left-back Destiny Udogie flicked the ball with his heel to right-back White inside Brentford's penalty area.
However, Brentford came close to equalizing from a corner, which seemed to rattle Arsenal. David Raya made a brilliant save to tip Kevin Schade's header onto the crossbar against his former club.
Arsenal, who looked dangerous in the first half, struggled badly in the second until Saka's second goal. Saka cut inside after receiving Merino's pass, shot with his left foot, and Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher could only parry the ball into his own net.
