Arsenal: Arteta hails “phenomenal” merino

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has branded replacement striker Mikel Merino “phenomenal” after his late header put the Gunners on course for a 2-0 home win over Brentford.

With most of Arteta’s attackers out of action in recent weeks, the Spanish midfielder has been asked to lead the line.

And he did it brilliantly, with his beautiful header from Ben White’s cross, his ninth Premier League goal of the calendar year.

No other Arsenal player can match that tally, while since the start of last season no Premier League player has scored more headed goals in all competitions than Merino’s eight.

Arteta told Sky Sports: “It’s incredible what he did again today, not just the goal because the goal is magnificent.

“But the movement, the quality, the finishing, the way he times it… and then his work rate. It’s phenomenal.

“A zero is never enough against Brentford, but I thought we dominated the game and created the biggest chances.

“Overall, I’m very happy.”

Arteta is without first-choice defenders William Saliba and Gabriel and saw Cristhian Mosquera have to be replaced early on, while Declan Rice limped off late in the game.

Arteta said: “We’ll know more tomorrow. They need to be tested. Declan had to pull out – let’s see who’s available.”

The Gunners next face Aston Villa early in the match on Saturday, where a victory would put them eight points clear.