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 somewhat of an injury crisis as Thomas Frank had almost 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.
Arteta had his work cut out for him at the break as his side struggled for decent parts 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.
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.).
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.
Will Arsenal seize the opportunity to put pressure on Liverpool?
Sky Sports’ Oliver Yew at the Gtech Community Stadium:
With Brentford playing at home this season, this was never going to be easy for Arsenal.
However, after facing plenty of adversity in the first 45 minutes, they came up with a tough test for a significant win in the title race.
This now allows the Gunners to try to put some pressure on Liverpool, who have threatened relegation, ahead of their clash with Man Utd on Great Sunday.
Before that, the Gunners travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton Saturday night football and a win would cut the gap to the Reds to three points with Slott’s side having two games in hand.
Liverpool have been cruising in recent weeks, but if Arsenal can sneak up in the Anfield side’s rear-view mirror, pressure can do funny things.
Nwaneri roles claim to fill Saka’s boots
In September 2022. Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history, aged 15 years and 181 days, when he came on as a substitute for Arsenal against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
After making his first Premier League start at the same ground, he produced a brilliant cross for Bukaya Saka on the right, took corners and really played a big hand in the third goal as Arsenal hit back.
In the first half, he was the only one who completed all passes (17/17), and created two chances, and only Martinelli (3) was better. In total, Nwaneri only gave the ball away twice.
At 17 years and 286 days, Nwaneri was the third youngest player to start a Premier League game for Arsenal, after Cesc Fabregas (17 years and 103 days against Everton in August 2004) and Theo Walcott (17 years and 212 days against Watford in October 2006). ).
Small steps for the teenager, but he has added another option for Arteta in Saka’s absence.
The story of the match in statistics…
General Statistics: Capital Gains for the Gunners
- Arsenal have taken more points in Premier League London derbies this season (14) than any other side, while no team has fewer points in such games this term than Brentford (4, level with Crystal Palace).
- Brentford are the only team yet to keep a clean sheet at home in the Premier League this season. Indeed, the Bees have gone 11 consecutive home league games without being sent off for the first time since October 2007 (13).
- Arsenal have scored nine Premier League goals from corners this season, the most of any side. Indeed, five of Topnik’s last 12 league goals have come from corners.
What’s up in the Premier League?
