Arsenal netted twice in the second half to secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Brentford in their Premier League fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday.
The sole Premier League match on New Year’s Day saw the Gunners hand Brentford only their second home defeat of the season, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Despite missing Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz through injury and resting Declan Rice, Arsenal delivered a commanding performance.
The visitors appeared the more likely to score during the early exchanges but were caught on the counter by Brentford, a side renowned for fast starts on home turf. Bryan Mbeumo capitalised, firing a near-post strike that wrong-footed Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the 13th minute to make it 1-0.
Raya, facing his former club, nearly allowed another goal after fumbling a shot but recovered in time. Arsenal swiftly equalised when Jesus reacted quickest to head home on the rebound after Thomas Partey’s effort was parried in the 29th minute, levelling the score at 1-1.
The teams went into the break tied, but Arsenal took the lead early in the second half. A poorly cleared corner fell to Merino, who smashed it into the net in the 50th minute to make it 2-1.
Just three minutes later, Martinelli added a third, controlling a Brentford clearance before drilling his shot past a stationary Mark Flekken to seal the points.
The win marks Arsenal’s second consecutive away victory this season and moves them to second place in the Premier League table with 39 points from 19 matches, six points behind leaders Liverpool. Brentford remain 12th with 24 points.
Jesus to the Rescue in Saka’s Absence
Gabriel Jesus played a crucial role for Arsenal, scoring a vital equaliser when they were trailing and inches away from conceding a second.
The 27-year-old Brazilian striker delivered a diving header for his sixth goal in four matches across all competitions, showcasing his importance during Bukayo Saka’s absence. Saka, who has registered 10 assists this season, faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal’s defence, however, remains a concern, having now conceded in eight consecutive away league matches. Manager Mikel Arteta’s side compensated for defensive lapses by dominating second balls and punishing Brentford’s mistakes, a factor evident in all three goals.
Youngster Ethan Nwaneri, 17, was handed another opportunity to integrate into the first team and played a role in Arsenal’s second goal.
The Gunners delivered an impressive second-half display, extending their unbeaten streak to nine league matches and 13 in all competitions.
