Arsenal moved to within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool with a 3-1 victory away to Brentford on New Year's Day.
Premier League
Result: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Date: 01 January 2025
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
Gunners coach Mikel Arteta made four changes for the clash, as 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first start while Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori were recalled to the line-up.
The home side took the lead with their first chance of the game on 12 minutes as Bryan Mbuemo drove towards the box before firing home at the near post
Arsenal were back on level terms in the 28th minute when Gabriel Jesus showed great reactions to head home from close range after Thomas Partey's powerful strike was saved goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Arteta's charges enjoyed most of the possession in the latter stages of the first half, but Bees were well-marshalled at the back and did well to restrict their opponents in the 18-yard area.
The Gunners carried that momentum into the second half and took the lead five minutes as Flekken was unable to deal with a corner, which allowed Merino to blast home from close range for his first league goal for the club.
Three minutes later, the visitors bagged a third goal as Nwaneri's cross was headed into the path of Gabriel Martinelli, who took one touch before volleying into the far corner.
Brentford had no response for their North London counterparts and were condemned to their ninth defeat of the league campaign, while the Gunners reclaim second spot from Nottingham Forest.
