Arsenal staged a comeback to secure a vital Premier League victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day 2025, reducing the gap to leaders Liverpool to six points. However, Arsenal has played an extra match compared to Liverpool.TBBXNXN
Brentford took an early lead in the 13th Liverpool.TBBXNXNAminute through Bryan Mbeumo, who scored his 11th Premier League goal of the season. Mbeumo’s impressive performances have fueled transfer rumors linking him with top clubs, including Arsenal.
The Gunners struggled to create meaningful chances in the early stages and lacked precision for much of the opening half-hour.
The breakthrough for Arsenal came when Thomas Partey’s shot was saved by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Gabriel Jesus capitalized on the rebound, continuing his goal-scoring form and leveling the match. Moments before that, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had a scare when he fumbled a shot from Keane Lewis-Potter but managed to recover just in time.
In the second half, Arsenal dominated. Mikel Merino scored after a chaotic corner to give the visitors the lead. Shortly after, Gabriel Martinelli added a third goal with a well-placed finish from the edge of the box, following exceptional wing play by Ethan Nwaneri. This quick succession of goals secured Arsenal’s three points.
With this win, Mikel Arteta’s side has a chance to close the gap further when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening. Liverpool, meanwhile, will host struggling Manchester United at Anfield the following day.
Brentford, who remain 12th in the league table, are comfortably above the relegation zone. They are just one win away from potentially breaking into the top half of the table, with a crucial match against Southampton coming up over the weekend.
Brentford Player Ratings vs Arsenal (4-3-1-2)
Substitutes:
Leandro Trossard (78′ for Nwaneri): 6.0/10
Declan Rice (78′ for Merino): 5.8/10
Myles Lewis-Skelly (78′ for Calafiori): 6.3/10
Jorginho (88′ for Odegaard): N/A
Oleksandr Zinchenko (90+1′ for Jesus): N/A
