Arsenal returned to winning ways following a comfortable 2-0 win over Brentford in their midweek Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka.

It was a much-needed victory for Mikel Arteta’s side if they must fight for the league title this season after the disappointing 1-1 draw against 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge over the weekend.

A goal in each half from Merino, who headed home Ben White’s cross to give Arsenal the lead in the 11th minute and a late second-half strike by Saka from an assist from Merino ensured that the Gunners secured the maximum points.

Wednesday’s result meant that Arsenal retained a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City in the league table. City managed a dramatic 5-4 win over Fulham on Tuesday.

In the other matches of the night, Leeds United thrashed Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road, one of the most shocking results of the matchday, as the Blues missed the opportunity to move to third in the table.

Six minutes into the game, Jaka Bijol opened the scoring for the hosts, heading home Anton Stach’s corner kick before Ao Tanaka doubled the advantage from a ferocious shot into the net just before halftime.

Pedro Neto pulled one back for Chelsea, delivering Jamie Gittens’ cross into the back post. Cole Palmer had a big chance to make it 2-2, but his effort narrowly missed the target from close range.

However, the Blues’ push for redemption eroded in the 72nd minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin capitalised on a short pass by Tosin Adarabioyo to his goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, which the England international slotted into an open net to seal the victory for Leeds.

Full Wednesday night’s results

Arsenal 2 vs 0 Brentford

Leeds United 3 vs 1 Chelsea

Liverpool 1 vs 1 Sunderland

Brighton 3 vs 4 Aston Villa

Burnley 0 vs 1 Crystal Palace

Wolves 0 vs 1 Nottingham Forest