The Gunners reclaimed their five-point cushion at the summit with a 2-0 result against their London counterparts on Wednesday evening. ..Continue Reading
Goals from Mikel Merino in the opening stages and Bukayo Saka in stoppage time secured Arsenal’s 10th Premier League victory of the campaign.
Manchester City had turned up the heat with a thrilling 5-4 success over Fulham the previous night, but Arsenal answered with a composed display at the Emirates.
Stephen Warnock has admired ‘a lot’ of Arsenal’s squad this term, yet believes ‘outstanding’ Declan Rice has been the league’s most impressive performer.
Rice has been in exceptional form since joining the north London club, though he caused concern after limping off with a calf issue during the Brentford match.
Providing a post-match update, Arteta mentioned that the England international would undergo assessment on Thursday, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming fixture against third-placed Aston Villa.
Arteta will be eager for positive news on Rice as Arsenal aim to maintain their flawless pursuit of the Premier League crown, which they last lifted in 2004.
‘I could pick out of a lot of the Arsenal team when it comes to who I think has been the best this season, but Declan Rice has been outstanding,’ ex-Premier League defender Warnock told WhichBookie.
‘He’s the best player in the league at the moment. He’s been phenomenal this season and it suits him playing higher up the pitch.
‘He was a bit frustrated when playing deeper as a six last season, but now he’s got some more freedom.’
Arteta believed Arsenal ‘dominated the game’ against a Brentford side that had climbed into the Premier League’s top half before their short journey across the capital.
‘I’m really happy with the performance, the win, the clean sheet,’ he said. ‘We faced a really tough team.
‘Brentford don’t need much – just a throw-in, a set-piece. They’re so good at generating this kind of thing. One-nil is never enough against them.
‘You always know you will be tested by them at some point. They generated some dangerous throw-ins and there was one big save we had to make from a corner.
‘Apart from that I thought we dominated the game and created the biggest chances but until you score to make it 2-0 the game is not over.’
Arsenal, who lead the Premier League and are favourites for the title, sit five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who narrowly edged Fulham in their last outing.
Aston Villa also featured in a high-scoring contest on Wednesday, with Unai Emery’s men overcoming Brighton 4-3 to move into third.
Chelsea had previously occupied that spot, but the Club World Cup champions dropped to fourth after an unexpected loss to Leeds United.
Crystal Palace currently hold fifth place, though Manchester United could draw level with fourth-placed Chelsea if they defeat West Ham at Old Trafford on Thursday.
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