Arteta’s men return to second place
Arsenal started 2025 in style with a 3-1 win against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford surprised Arsenal early in the first half. Despite the fact that Arsenal dominated possession in the first minutes with over 80% of the ball, it was the hosts who broke the tie.
In the 13th minute, Mikkel Damsgaard intercepted Martin Odegaard’s pass and started a counterattack, passing a perfect ball to Bryan Mbeum.
The Brentford striker skimmed inside, eluding Riccardo Calafiori, and finished past former team-mate David Raya at the near post.
Arsenal responded, shaken but unshaken. Brentford almost doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Keane Lewis-Potter’s shot went through Ray’s gloves, but the keeper recovered to keep the ball from crossing the line.
Moments later, Gabriel Jesus took advantage of a defensive lapse to equalize the score.
Thomas Partey’s shot was saved by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, but Jesus was in a perfect position to tap home the rebound.
Another great team performance ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DBEoSEQe05
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 1, 2025
The teams went to halftime with a score of 1-1. Arsenal controlled possession and created more chances, but Brentford’s counter-attacking threat kept them in contention.
In the 50th minute, Mikel Merino converted a through ball into a goal.
Ethan Nwaneri’s corner caused chaos in the penalty area and Flekken spilled the ball under pressure.
After a blocked effort from Jesus, Merino was the quickest to react and put the ball into the net, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead.
Just three minutes later, Arsenal increased their lead. Nwaneri once again played a key role, delivering a cross that Brentford’s Nathan Collins could only partially clear.
Gabriel Martinelli latched on to the loose ball, taking one touch before firing a powerful shot past Flekken to make it 3-1.
Gabigoal 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/HAc8BC94o6
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 1, 2025
After that, Brentford, despite their spirited efforts, struggled to create clear-cut chances against a determined Arsenal backline.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made several changes to manage the game in the final stages. Odegaard, Nwaneri and Merino were replaced by experienced players such as Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice, ensuring Arsenal remained in control.
Brentford’s best chance to pull a goal back came in stoppage time. Mathias Jensen made a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but despite trying to dive, he didn’t meet it and wandered harmlessly for a goal-out.
Arsenal’s win secured their 11th league win of the season and extended their unbeaten run in London derbies to an incredible 11 games. They remain firmly in the title race, increasing the pressure on leaders Liverpool.
Brentford, meanwhile, will look back on missed chances and defensive mistakes, but can take solace in their strong overall form at home this season.