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

With around 20 minutes to play, Merino ought to have doubled his personal tally for the night and Arsenal’s lead. When Kelleher parried a low strike from Declan Rice, the rebound fell for Merino, only for him to stumble as he stretched for the loose ball and knock it out of play.

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.