Daijiworld Media Network - Arsenal

Arsenal, Dec 4: Arsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League summit with a solid 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday, restoring their five-point cushion and taking another crucial step in their title pursuit. Though not at their fluent best at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners made their chances count as Mikel Merino powered in a Ben White delivery for his 11th goal of the season. Substitute Bukayo Saka sealed the result in stoppage time with a fierce strike that found the net despite Caoimhin Kelleher’s attempt to stop it, prompting praise from manager Mikel Arteta for the team’s determination and Merino’s impact.

Elsewhere, the evening brought major twists in the league. Chelsea endured yet another setback with a 3-1 loss to relegation-threatened Leeds. Jaka Bijol’s early header and Ao Tanaka’s stunning drive put the home side in command before Pedro Neto briefly raised Chelsea hopes after the break. However, defensive chaos allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to restore Leeds’ dominance, leaving Blues boss Enzo Maresca admitting that his side were second-best in every department.

Liverpool’s struggles persisted as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield by Sunderland. A rare error from Virgil van Dijk gifted Chemsdine Talbi the opener before a late deflected effort from Florian Wirtz rescued a point. Sunderland almost snatched a dramatic winner near the end, but Federico Chiesa’s goal-line clearance denied them.

Aston Villa produced one of the matches of the night, rallying from two goals down to beat Brighton 4-3 in a thrilling contest driven by an Ollie Watkins brace. Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace also registered important victories, adding pressure to Wolves and Burnley in the relegation fight.

With each round tightening the race at the top and intensifying the battle at the bottom, Arsenal’s steady push keeps them well-placed as the Premier League drama continues to unfold.