Arsenal began the year with a crucial 3-1 victory at Brentford, reducing the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points. The Gunners were caught off guard early on, as Bryan Mbeumo gave Brentford the lead in the 13th minute. However, just minutes later, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had a nervous moment when Keane Lewis-Potter’s shot nearly slipped through his fingers. Raya was quick to recover, saving the ball off the line, and it was Arsenal who capitalised immediately.
The equaliser came in the 29th minute when Gabriel Jesus, alert to the situation, headed in a rebound from close range after a scramble in the box. This goal brought Arsenal back into the game and gave them momentum as they looked to seize control of the match. The equaliser was a significant turning point, with the visitors gaining confidence and increasing their attacking threat.
After the break, Arsenal came out firing, with Mikel Merino scoring the go-ahead goal in the 50th minute. A chaotic corner kick situation left Merino in the perfect spot to poke home and put Arsenal in front. Just four minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled the advantage with a well-taken finish, converting a deflected cross from Ethan Nwaneri. The young Nwaneri, who was making his first Premier League start in place of the injured Bukayo Saka, played a pivotal role in the goal.
The quick succession of goals turned the game in Arsenal’s favour, and despite a late push from Brentford, the visitors held firm to secure all three points. Brentford had their moments, but Arsenal’s clinical second-half performance was too much to overcome. The win also marked only the second time this season that Brentford had lost at home, a testament to the Gunners’ resilience.
Arsenal’s victory sees them rise to second place in the Premier League, just six points behind Liverpool, though the latter still has a game in hand. Mikel Arteta’s side demonstrated a strong response after falling behind, and the collective effort from key players like Jesus, Merino, and Martinelli highlighted the team’s growing confidence.
