Three things we learned from Arsenal’s Brentford win as Arteta rethinks Saka role

Arsenal’s latest Premier League victory carried the feeling of a statement. A 2–0 win over Brentford on 3 December restored the Gunners’ five-point cushion above Manchester City and reminded the division that Mikel Arteta’s side can win convincingly even when rotating key players. Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka sealed a clinical performance at the Emirates, one built on clarity, tempo and a refreshed sense of depth.

What stood out most, though, was the shifting landscape of Arteta’s squad management. We noted before kick-off that resting Saka for a London derby is something the manager simply wouldn’t have done two seasons ago. But with Arsenal juggling injuries again and the calendar tightening, Arteta made calculated changes — and was rewarded with strong performances across the pitch.

Brentford’s second-half improvement ensured the game stayed alive, but Arsenal always looked in control, and the late clincher highlighted both the squad’s resilience and the developing chemistry between Merino and Saka.

Mikel Merino’s form as a No9 is no longer a quirky experiment; it is now a legitimate selection problem for Arteta. The Spaniard has started Arsenal’s last six league matches in the role and produced four goals and three assists in that time, with another influential display against Brentford. His header opened the scoring and his intelligent, disguised pass later released Saka for the second.

Merino’s movement continues to unsettle centre-backs in ways Arsenal’s attack often lacked last spring. He drops deep to knit play, yet his timing when attacking crosses has added a dimension the Gunners have missed. Having followed Arsenal closely this season, the most striking improvement is how naturally the side adapts to him as the focal point — wide players trust his hold-up play, midfielders find him earlier, and second-wave runs look sharper.

But with Gabriel Jesus now fully fit and Viktor Gyökeres returning to action, the question is immediate: how does Arteta remove Merino without disrupting Arsenal’s best stretch of attacking form this season? Although some reports suggest Jesus is pushing hard for a starting return, Merino is playing too well to drop without consequence.

For years Saka has been the untouchable figure in Arteta’s system. No player has logged more minutes under the Spaniard, and Arteta’s old mantra that “top players play 70 matches” defined many selection debates. This time, however, he made the call to bench his star winger — not due to injury, but strategy.

The decision was validated almost immediately. Ben White and Noni Madueke combined superbly on the right flank, producing the move that led to Merino’s opener. Their rotations dragged Brentford out of shape, and the tempo down that side mirrored Arsenal’s most explosive spells from last season.

Saka’s introduction in the second half showcased how powerful a rested superstar can be. Merino’s measured pass sent him through, and even though Caoimhín Kelleher got hands to the shot, the ball found its way over the line. The goal underlined the new competitive dynamic in the squad: Saka remains a guaranteed starter long-term, but Arsenal now possess enough depth to protect him without sacrificing output.

This is a significant tactical shift and hints at a more balanced rotation strategy heading into the festive period.

The only sour note of the evening was yet another pair of fitness blows. Cristhian Mosquera limped off late in the first half after an awkward landing while contesting a header with Kevin Schade. Declan Rice, meanwhile, exited on 83 minutes holding his calf.

Arteta was forced to reshuffle again, with Jurrien Timber — used almost exclusively at right-back this season — pushed into the heart of defence. Timber performed admirably, but with Gabriel and William Saliba already sidelined, Arsenal’s back line is now stretched thin. Although some reports claim Saliba could return for the upcoming Aston Villa trip, the overall trend is concerning.

It’s worth questioning whether Arsenal can continue absorbing injuries at this rate, especially with Champions League commitments returning soon. Last month the squad was short of centre-forwards; now the shortage has flipped to the other end of the pitch. This pattern — waves of injuries hitting specific units — is becoming a recurring theme under Arteta.

In our view, the biggest takeaway from the Brentford win wasn’t the goals — it was the maturity. Arsenal managed the match with a composure that teams chasing titles need. They controlled phases without overstretching, and crucially, they didn’t panic when Brentford pressed higher after the break. That calmness is something Arsenal did not always show 12 months ago.

Another under-discussed element is how frequently Arsenal now create high-value chances from cut-backs and disguised crosses. Merino’s header and Saka’s goal both stemmed from intelligent wide overloads, suggesting the coaching staff are emphasising structured patterns rather than individual brilliance alone.

Although the injuries create understandable anxiety, the tactical clarity on display makes it easier to believe Arsenal can absorb setbacks. The squad looks more tactically literate than last season, and the internal competition — particularly in forward areas — may be the sharpest it has been under Arteta.

Arsenal travel to Villa Park on Saturday, 6 December, a fixture that historically delivers goals and tactical volatility. Arteta will hope for positive news on Rice and Mosquera but must plan for the possibility that neither is available.

👉 Should Merino keep the No9 shirt for the Villa match, or is it time to bring Gabriel Jesus back into the XI?