Mikel Arteta delivered a mixed verdict after Arsenal's victory over Brentford on Wednesday night, praising one player's "immense" contribution while confirming a fresh injury setback for a key star.
Gunners Secure Vital Win Amid Injury Concerns
Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 2-0 home triumph against London rivals Brentford, a result that maintains their five-point lead at the Premier League summit after Manchester City's win over Fulham. The match, however, proved physically costly for the Gunners.
Mikel Merino broke the deadlock with a clever headed goal, his third in the league this season. Bukayo Saka then sealed the points with a late strike to ensure a comfortable evening at the Emirates Stadium. The victory was overshadowed by the loss of two more players to injury, adding to an already lengthy treatment room list.
Arteta Confirms Double Injury Blow
The manager revealed that both Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera were forced off with problems. Rice's issue is a particular concern ahead of a difficult away fixture against Aston Villa this Saturday.
"Yes, obviously it's never good news, Declan had to come off, we don't know, we'll have to see tomorrow what he’s got," Arteta stated in his post-match press conference. "Mosquera is the other one that is out, obviously we have big Gabi and Willy Saliba out as well. So we have to adapt, it's been a theme this season."
Arteta did find a positive in the situation, highlighting the readiness of squad players like Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres to step in and perform.
'Immense' Merino Earns Manager's Praise
On a brighter note, Mikel Merino's influential form continued unabated. The Spaniard has now been directly involved in a goal in each of his last four Premier League appearances, tallying two goals and three assists in that period.
Arteta, Merino's compatriot, was effusive in his praise. "He was immense again," Arteta said. "The way he scored, super smart. His timing, the way he wins the position and execution. But his overall performance, with the ball, without the ball... He is everywhere and his goal, with that really good momentum at the moment - he makes the team much better."
The manager credited Merino's curiosity and willingness to learn for his seamless adaptation to a new role, a move necessitated by injuries to other attacking players earlier in the campaign.
While the three points are crucial in the title race, the fitness of Declan Rice will be the major talking point in the coming days as Arsenal prepare for their next challenge at Villa Park.
