EPL scores: Arsenal beats Brentford 2-0 and regains 5-point lead in Premier League

Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Brentford in a Premier League match on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, reclaiming a five-point lead at the top of the table. The win was achieved despite the absence of several key players due to injury and rotation.

Arsenal's opening goal came in the 11th minute from Mikel Merino, who headed in a cross from Ben White. Both players were among the backups starting the match, as the team was missing first-choice center backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba to injury, and began with stars Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Eberechi Eze on the bench. Substitute Bukayo Saka added a second goal in stoppage time, with his shot trickling over the line after being parried by Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.

The result highlights Arsenal's squad depth this season, allowing manager Mikel Arteta's team to withstand multiple absences and remain strong in the title race as they pursue their first league championship since 2004. Their closest challenger, Manchester City, won 5-4 at Fulham in a high-scoring match the previous day.

In other Wednesday matches, last-place Wolverhampton lost 1-0 at home to Nottingham Forest, remaining winless this campaign with only two points from 14 rounds. Aston Villa staged a comeback from 2-0 down to win 4-3 at Brighton, securing a fourth consecutive victory and solidifying their top-four position, with Ollie Watkins scoring twice. Crystal Palace defeated Burnley 1-0 thanks to a goal from Colombia wing back Daniel Munoz. In late kickoffs, Liverpool—again without Mohamed Salah—hosted Sunderland, while Chelsea played at Leeds.