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Arsenal cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to six points after a 3-1 comeback win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Liverpool’s convincing win over West Ham on Sunday night has left Arsenal in the lurch over the past few days, with a nine-point gap at the top between the sides. However, the Gunners started 2025 with a win that saw them move back into second place, but it was not without worries for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Brentford went into the game with a bit of an injury crisis as Thomas Frank had just about a full Premier League squad on the touchlines. However, the hosts, boosted by the availability of goalkeeper Mark Flekken, took the lead with an early shot by Bryan Mbeum (13).
Frank was asked about potential interest from Premier League clubs in the striker ahead of the game and the Brentford boss laughed off suggestions the 25-year-old could leave the club this month. Mbeumo once again showed just how crucial he is to this Brentford side, nestling a low shot past David Raya at his near post for his 11th league goal of the season.
It is regularly said that football is a game of fine margins. That proved to be the case in this match as Ray inexplicably let Keane Lewis-Potter’s shot slip through his fingers. The ball took a painful bounce towards the goal, but Raya reacted quickly and jumped back to clear the ball from the goal line.
Fifty-five seconds later, Arsenal equalized. Thomas Partey’s low shot was well saved by Flekken but Jesus (29) pounced to head home the rebound from close range for his sixth goal in four games in all competitions as the visitors restored parity before the break.
Gabriel Jesus celebrates after scoring for Arsenal against Brentford
Arteta had his work cut out for him at the break as his side struggled for decent pieces in the first half, and whatever the Spaniard said to his side had the desired effect with the Gunners scoring twice in three minutes.
‘Reset’ was heard from the away side after Mikel Merino (50) scored from close range after Flekken failed to clear Ethan Nwaneri’s corner.
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino celebrates scoring the Gunners’ second goal against Brentford
The Gunners celebrated three minutes and eight seconds later when Nwaneri, who made his first start in the league, saw his cross deflected only to Gabriel Martinelli, who fired a shot into the far corner to give his side breathing room.
There was no dramatic comeback from Brentford, who suffered only their second home defeat this season in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Arsenal extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 games with a third straight league win. They now have the chance to cut Liverpool’s lead to three points when they face away to Brighton, live Sky Sports on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off), ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United on Super Sunday, also live Sky Sports (start at 4:30 p.m.).
More to come.
Key moment of the match?
At one end, Ray scored from his own goal line after almost missing a shot…
… 55 seconds later Arsenal equalized through Jesus.
