Arsenal stars in good spirits as Xhaka, Saka and Zinchenko are put through paces in training ahead of Brentford clash

MIKEL ARTETA'S Arsenal squad were in high spirits as they prepared for Saturday's clash with Brentford.

The Gunners suffered a second Premier League defeat of the season last time out as Everton secured a 1-0 win at Goodison Park.

But the league leaders were then bailed out 24 hours later when local rivals Tottenham did them a favour by beating Manchester City.

It means the gap between Arsenal and Man City remains five points ahead of this weekend's fixtures, with the Gunners also holding a game in hand.

And before Pep Guardiola's men host Aston Villa on Sunday, Arteta's side will take on Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal prepared for the clash with a training session on Friday and appeared to be all smiles despite coming off the back of a loss.

The likes of Granit Xhaka, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah and club captain Martin Odegaard were put through their paces ahead of the crucial game.

And Arteta will be wary of what Brentford can bring given they beat Man City 2-1 at the Etihad in November.

The Bees are flying high in seventh place and could leapfrog Brighton with a victory.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be determined to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.

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And Paul Merson feels the Everton slip-up was a huge opportunity missed by his former club.

Speaking to , he said: "Arsenal would have won the league on Saturday with a win at Goodison Park.

"With what happened with Man City at Tottenham on Sunday, it would have all been wrapped up in my opinion.

"They are the fine margins you are dealing with at this stage of the season."