Arsenal returned to winning ways with a victory over the Bees, but they had to work hard for the result. Merino opened the scoring with a lovely header in the 11th minute.
Arsenal could not double their advantage until stoppage time through Bukayo Saka. Merino provided a fine assist for the England international to put the game beyond Brentford’s sight.
Speaking after the victory, Arteta said that Merino was ‘immense’ again and believes he makes the team much better. He said: “He was immense again. The way he scored, super smart.
“His timing, the way he wins the position and execution.
“But his overall performance, with the ball, without the ball, I remember an action that he passed the ball to Martin in behind.
“Martin doesn’t chase it, he makes 40 metres to chase it to the corner flag and goes back, wins the ball back.
“He is everywhere and his goal, with that really good momentum at the moment – he makes the team much better.”
Merino has been a revelation as a makeshift striker for Arsenal.
He has made 22 appearances as an emergency centre-forward since February. The Spaniard has contributed 11 goals and four assists during that period.
Merino is the club’s leading goalscorer this year with 13 goals, two ahead of Leandro Trossard.
The Spaniard started his career as a central or defensive midfielder but has begun to build a reputation as a genuine number nine due to his knack for scoring goals.
Aside from goal and assist, Merino won seven ground and aerial duels yesterday. He also made three recoveries and two tackles while exhibiting a tireless work rate.
The £31 million-rated star has improved with his high pressing as a striker compared to earlier this year.
With his current run of scoring form, Arteta may prefer to keep him leading the line ahead of Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus, at least for the next few matches.
Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City. They hold a six-point advantage over high-flying Aston Villa, whom they face next on the road on Saturday.
Villa have been a bogey club for the Gunners with just one win in the last four meetings. That victory came at Villa Park last term. Arsenal will be aiming to repeat the feat.