Simon Collings
@srcollings.bsky.social
Sports Reporter for The London Standard. Views are mine.
Email: [email protected].
Email: [email protected].
♦️ Merino impresses as the No9, again
♦️ Saka off the bench and on the mark
♦️ Injuries strike again
Live analysis:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
♦️ Saka off the bench and on the mark
♦️ Injuries strike again
Live analysis:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Three things we learned from Arsenal win as Arteta changes Saka stance
The winger was demoted to the bench for the London derby
www.standard.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 10:09 PM
♦️ Merino impresses as the No9, again
♦️ Saka off the bench and on the mark
♦️ Injuries strike again
Live analysis:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
♦️ Saka off the bench and on the mark
♦️ Injuries strike again
Live analysis:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mikel Merino with a goal and assists, but thought that was an impressive performance from Ben White, too. Looked back to his best.
Player ratings:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Player ratings:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal ratings vs Brentford: Returning star impresses on rare start
Defender made the most of his chance but captain quiet on his return
www.standard.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Mikel Merino with a goal and assists, but thought that was an impressive performance from Ben White, too. Looked back to his best.
Player ratings:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Player ratings:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Full-time
Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
Not a game that will live long in the memory, but Arsenal got the job done. Merino with a goal and an assist, and another good performance as the No9. Concerns, though, as Rice and Mosquera went off injured.
Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
Not a game that will live long in the memory, but Arsenal got the job done. Merino with a goal and an assist, and another good performance as the No9. Concerns, though, as Rice and Mosquera went off injured.
December 3, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Full-time
Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
Not a game that will live long in the memory, but Arsenal got the job done. Merino with a goal and an assist, and another good performance as the No9. Concerns, though, as Rice and Mosquera went off injured.
Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
Not a game that will live long in the memory, but Arsenal got the job done. Merino with a goal and an assist, and another good performance as the No9. Concerns, though, as Rice and Mosquera went off injured.
GOAL. Arsenal. Saka.
December 3, 2025 at 9:19 PM
GOAL. Arsenal. Saka.
Rice got an issue here.
Pointing to his right calf.
Gyokeres coming on.
Pointing to his right calf.
Gyokeres coming on.
December 3, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Rice got an issue here.
Pointing to his right calf.
Gyokeres coming on.
Pointing to his right calf.
Gyokeres coming on.
Eze and Saka coming on.
December 3, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Eze and Saka coming on.
Half-time
Arsenal 1-0 Brentford
The Gunners are ahead thanks to Mikel Merino's header. Goal came down the right flank, which has worked very well with Madueke and White. The only downer of the half for Arsenal was Mosquera going off injured. Timber on and playing centre-back.
Arsenal 1-0 Brentford
The Gunners are ahead thanks to Mikel Merino's header. Goal came down the right flank, which has worked very well with Madueke and White. The only downer of the half for Arsenal was Mosquera going off injured. Timber on and playing centre-back.
December 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Half-time
Arsenal 1-0 Brentford
The Gunners are ahead thanks to Mikel Merino's header. Goal came down the right flank, which has worked very well with Madueke and White. The only downer of the half for Arsenal was Mosquera going off injured. Timber on and playing centre-back.
Arsenal 1-0 Brentford
The Gunners are ahead thanks to Mikel Merino's header. Goal came down the right flank, which has worked very well with Madueke and White. The only downer of the half for Arsenal was Mosquera going off injured. Timber on and playing centre-back.
Mosquera walks off, which is a good sign.
Seemed to jar left knee or ankle when challenging for a header.
Seemed to jar left knee or ankle when challenging for a header.
Mosquera down here and physio coming on.
Timber getting ready to come on.
Timber getting ready to come on.
December 3, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Mosquera walks off, which is a good sign.
Seemed to jar left knee or ankle when challenging for a header.
Seemed to jar left knee or ankle when challenging for a header.
Mosquera down here and physio coming on.
Timber getting ready to come on.
Timber getting ready to come on.
December 3, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Mosquera down here and physio coming on.
Timber getting ready to come on.
Timber getting ready to come on.
Arsenal's right side looking so fluid. Madueke and White combining very well and seem to have a great understanding.
December 3, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Arsenal's right side looking so fluid. Madueke and White combining very well and seem to have a great understanding.
Make that four goals and two assists...
In Arsenal’s last five games, Mikel Merino has three goals and two assists.
Arsenal have scored 13 goals, 11 of them from open play.
The attack is firing, and so is Merino.
Even with players back, is he now a genuine option at No9?
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal have scored 13 goals, 11 of them from open play.
The attack is firing, and so is Merino.
Even with players back, is he now a genuine option at No9?
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal in uncharted territory as Arteta faces new selection dilemmas
Gunners boss has contrasting headaches at both ends of the pitch after feisty draw with 10-man Chelsea
www.standard.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Make that four goals and two assists...
GOAL. Arsenal. Merino.
December 3, 2025 at 7:40 PM
GOAL. Arsenal. Merino.
Arsenal v Brentford
December 3, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Arsenal v Brentford
Arsenal team is out.
Odegaard's first start for two months.
Three changes: White, Odegaard and Madueke in for Timber, Eze and Saka.
Odegaard's first start for two months.
Three changes: White, Odegaard and Madueke in for Timber, Eze and Saka.
December 3, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Arsenal team is out.
Odegaard's first start for two months.
Three changes: White, Odegaard and Madueke in for Timber, Eze and Saka.
Odegaard's first start for two months.
Three changes: White, Odegaard and Madueke in for Timber, Eze and Saka.
Reposted by Simon Collings
Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal's deep squad this season as a "puzzle".
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal get injured star back for Brentford at ‘ideal’ time for Arteta
Fit-again captain gives Gunners a major title boost
www.standard.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal's deep squad this season as a "puzzle".
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Tonight would be Odegaard's first start in two months.
I think Arteta will be keen to start him, in part because Arsenal go into this match off the back of three big, emotional games.
They need a lift and to keep standards high, so starting your captain makes a lot of sense.
I think Arteta will be keen to start him, in part because Arsenal go into this match off the back of three big, emotional games.
They need a lift and to keep standards high, so starting your captain makes a lot of sense.
Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal's deep squad this season as a "puzzle".
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal get injured star back for Brentford at ‘ideal’ time for Arteta
Fit-again captain gives Gunners a major title boost
www.standard.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Tonight would be Odegaard's first start in two months.
I think Arteta will be keen to start him, in part because Arsenal go into this match off the back of three big, emotional games.
They need a lift and to keep standards high, so starting your captain makes a lot of sense.
I think Arteta will be keen to start him, in part because Arsenal go into this match off the back of three big, emotional games.
They need a lift and to keep standards high, so starting your captain makes a lot of sense.
Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal's deep squad this season as a "puzzle".
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal get injured star back for Brentford at ‘ideal’ time for Arteta
Fit-again captain gives Gunners a major title boost
www.standard.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal's deep squad this season as a "puzzle".
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
After a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, Martin Odegaard can now show why he is an integral piece.
Preview:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Simon Collings
Mikel Arteta has backed Declan Rice to become a long-throw expert - in the same way he has mastered set-pieces.
“I know how good Declan was at taking set-pieces three or four years ago, and I know how good he is now.
“He can become anything he wants.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
“I know how good Declan was at taking set-pieces three or four years ago, and I know how good he is now.
“He can become anything he wants.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arteta reveals new way Rice can become even bigger threat for Arsenal
England midfielder appears to have added yet another valuable string to his bow this season
www.standard.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Mikel Arteta has backed Declan Rice to become a long-throw expert - in the same way he has mastered set-pieces.
“I know how good Declan was at taking set-pieces three or four years ago, and I know how good he is now.
“He can become anything he wants.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
“I know how good Declan was at taking set-pieces three or four years ago, and I know how good he is now.
“He can become anything he wants.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Mikel Arteta has backed Declan Rice to become a long-throw expert - in the same way he has mastered set-pieces.
“I know how good Declan was at taking set-pieces three or four years ago, and I know how good he is now.
“He can become anything he wants.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
“I know how good Declan was at taking set-pieces three or four years ago, and I know how good he is now.
“He can become anything he wants.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arteta reveals new way Rice can become even bigger threat for Arsenal
England midfielder appears to have added yet another valuable string to his bow this season
www.standard.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Mikel Arteta has backed Declan Rice to become a long-throw expert - in the same way he has mastered set-pieces.
“I know how good Declan was at taking set-pieces three or four years ago, and I know how good he is now.
“He can become anything he wants.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
“I know how good Declan was at taking set-pieces three or four years ago, and I know how good he is now.
“He can become anything he wants.”
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arteta on Saliba: “The ankle one (the injury Saliba had in August) was a really random one, a very unlucky action that kept him out for a few weeks. He tried at Anfield & he wasn’t comfortable, and he had to stay away. And this one as well is very bizarre, but hopefully it will be a matter of days.”
December 2, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Arteta on Saliba: “The ankle one (the injury Saliba had in August) was a really random one, a very unlucky action that kept him out for a few weeks. He tried at Anfield & he wasn’t comfortable, and he had to stay away. And this one as well is very bizarre, but hopefully it will be a matter of days.”
Arteta on Havertz: “We are all desperate to have him. I mean it is a player that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team - his character, his personality. I see him suffer, being outside.”
December 2, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Arteta on Havertz: “We are all desperate to have him. I mean it is a player that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team - his character, his personality. I see him suffer, being outside.”
Injury update from Arteta:
- Saliba and Trossard will be out for a "matter of days" with their injuries
- Havertz is still weeks away, though
- Saliba and Trossard will be out for a "matter of days" with their injuries
- Havertz is still weeks away, though
December 2, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Injury update from Arteta:
- Saliba and Trossard will be out for a "matter of days" with their injuries
- Havertz is still weeks away, though
- Saliba and Trossard will be out for a "matter of days" with their injuries
- Havertz is still weeks away, though
In Arsenal’s last five games, Mikel Merino has three goals and two assists.
Arsenal have scored 13 goals, 11 of them from open play.
The attack is firing, and so is Merino.
Even with players back, is he now a genuine option at No9?
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal have scored 13 goals, 11 of them from open play.
The attack is firing, and so is Merino.
Even with players back, is he now a genuine option at No9?
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal in uncharted territory as Arteta faces new selection dilemmas
Gunners boss has contrasting headaches at both ends of the pitch after feisty draw with 10-man Chelsea
www.standard.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 2:55 PM
In Arsenal’s last five games, Mikel Merino has three goals and two assists.
Arsenal have scored 13 goals, 11 of them from open play.
The attack is firing, and so is Merino.
Even with players back, is he now a genuine option at No9?
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal have scored 13 goals, 11 of them from open play.
The attack is firing, and so is Merino.
Even with players back, is he now a genuine option at No9?
Piece:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
🔺 Arsenal left with mixed emotions
🔺 Injuries strike again
🔺 Merino gives Arteta food for thought
Live analysis from Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
🔺 Injuries strike again
🔺 Merino gives Arteta food for thought
Live analysis from Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
Three things we learned from Arsenal draw as Arteta handed new dilemma
Plenty for Gunners boss to ponder as feisty derby draw with 10-man Chelsea leaves mixed emotions
www.standard.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 7:41 PM
🔺 Arsenal left with mixed emotions
🔺 Injuries strike again
🔺 Merino gives Arteta food for thought
Live analysis from Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...
🔺 Injuries strike again
🔺 Merino gives Arteta food for thought
Live analysis from Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal:
www.standard.co.uk/sport/footba...