Watch Brentford vs Arsenal highlights as the Gunners came from behind to take an impressive 3-1 victory on the road in the Premier League.
The Gunners moved up to second in the Premier League thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli.
Brentford took the lead after 13 minutes after Martin Odegaard lost possession, leading to Mikkel Damsgaard releasing Bryan Mbeumo. The Frenchman cut inside, took on Riccardo Calafiori before beating former team-mate David Raya at his near post.
Arsenal didn’t panic though and 16 minutes later they were back level thanks to Jesus. Thomas Partey’s shot was parried by Mark Flekken straight into the path of Brazilian who made no mistake on the rebound.
His goal came just one minute after David Raya scrambled to clear the ball off his line when he spilled a Keane Lewis-Potter shot through his glove.
It was a quick-fire second-half double which effectively killed the game off, starting with another classic Arsenal set-piece goal.
Ethan Nwaneri – making his first Premier League start – saw his corner turn into a pinball situation inside the box. Jesus’ effort was blocked but Merino was on hand to slot the ball home five minutes into the second-half.
Nwaneri also had a part to play in Arsenal’s second just three minutes later. His cross was cleared into the path of Martinelli who rifled his shot into the back of the net.
Brentford never looked likely to fight back, with the Gunners starting off 2025 with an important victory.
Watch: Brentford vs Arsenal Highlights
The win for Arsenal sees them move up to second, six points behind Liverpool – who have a game in hand.
It was the perfect start to 2025 for Mikel Arteta’s side who are hoping to end their 21-year title drought. It also extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 games. Their last defeat came away at Inter Milan on November 6.
Mikel Arteta will take encouragement given Arsenal started without the injured Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz who was out with an illness and Declan Rice who only came off the bench.
For Brentford, it was a positive start but they could not compete with the Gunners who have had their number over recent years.
They are 12th in the standings but have only win out of their last seven fixtures in all competitions.
Next up, Brentford travel to struggling Southampton on Saturday, while Arsenal travel to Brighton on the same day.
