Arsenal have lost yet another center back to injury as Cristhian Mosquera was forced off against Brentford, while Declan Rice also suffered an issue.

This new strategy is epitomised by the recent recruitments of twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Ecuador, set to arrive in London in 2027. Shamrock Rovers youngster Victor Ozhianvuna, also 16, is set to join Arsenal when he turns 18 in January 2027.

Emmanuel Petit fears the lure of Barcelona could tempt Mikel Arteta to turn his back on Arsenal and seek a fresh challenge. The Gunners boss is set to celebrate his sixth year in charge later this month, but for all the progress they have made under his charge major silverware has continued to elude the club.

The Bees have shown a potency from set pieces under manager Keith Andrews, something Mikel believes every team is trying to master. He said: "I don't know a team in the Premier League that doesn't like to score from set pieces.

The Gunners claimed victory at the Emirates thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka against their London rivals as Mikel Arteta rotated his team

Arsenal re-opened a five point lead at the top of the Premier League thanks to a win over their London rivals Brentford.

Mikel Merino was the hero yet again for Arsenal, picking up a goal and an assist as the Premier League leaders saw off a stubborn Brentford side 2-0 at the Emirates to restore their five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City.