Mikel Merino’s powerful header adn Bukayo Saka‘s late strike gave us a 2-0 victory over Brentford to extend our unbeaten run to 18 matches in all competitions.
Good link-up play between Noni Madueke and Ben White allowed the full-back to find the Spaniard, who netted for the second game in a row.
As the game opened up late on, Saka latched onto Merino’s inch-perfect through ball to make it 2-0 and move us five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
merino with authority
It was a new combination down the right-hand side as White and Madueke looked to do damage to the Bees’ backline. An early given-and-go between the pair almost paid off, but it was a sign of things to come as Noni’s flick found white moments later, and this time, the England full-back picked out his man as Merino powered his header into the ground and beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
the goal was Merino’s fifth of the campaign and his 21st of a goal-laden 2025 for club and country.
Madueke was enjoying his first start since facing Manchester city in September and was making his presence felt, giving full-back Rico Henry plenty of problems and forcing a good save from Kelleher low to his right.
Brentford have showcased how potent they can be from set pieces this season and almost found a way back into the game through a corner. Kevin Schade rose highest inside our box, but his thumping header was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by David Raya to keep the scores level.
The attacking play didn’t stop down the right for us. This time, left-back Riccardo Calafiori joined the attack, backheeling into White’s path, who found Gabriel Martinelli, but he could only put his effort over the bar from just inside the box.
Madueke almost capped off his electric half with a goal as Delcan Rice produced a precise low cross across the box, but Noni’s effort was well blocked from close range by Henry.