Brentford 1-3 Arsenal: Jesus and Martinelli score as The Gunners go second in Premier League

Arsenal came from behind to win a great New Year’s Day match against Brentford. Bryan Mbeumo scored early for Brentford with their first shot on target.

However, they quickly turned the game around with two goals before halftime. First, Gabriel Jesus headed in a rebound after Thomas Partey’s shot was saved. Then, Mikel Merino scored from a corner.

Gabriel Martinelli added a third goal with a strong strike, sealing a comfortable away win to start 2025. Brentford, who had been strong at home this season, took the lead first.

In the first ten minutes, Mbeumo received a pass from Mikkel Damsgaard. He advanced into the area, evaded Riccardo Calafiori, and shot past David Raya at the near post. This goal boosted Brentford’s confidence.

As the Gunners tried to regain control, Jurrien Timber received a yellow card that means he will miss the next match against Brighton. Thomas Partey came close to scoring from a Martin Odegaard free-kick, but he was flagged offside. At the other end, Keane Lewis-Potter forced Raya into a save, as he had to scramble to keep the ball from crossing the line.

Arsenal equalized in the 30th minute. Gabriel Martinelli was fouled while shooting, and Partey’s follow-up was parried by Mark Flekken. Jesus was quick to head in the rebound for his sixth goal in four games. In the first half, both teams were fairly equal.

After halftime, the Gunners took the lead. Ethan Nwaneri’s corner pass caused confusion, and Flekken mishandled it. Jesus aimed for goal, but the shot was blocked, allowing Merino to score from close range. Just three minutes later, they scored again. Nwaneri, making his first Premier League start, crossed the ball, and Martinelli finished it off with a powerful shot.

In the end, Arsenal handed Brentford their second home defeat of the season. This win brought us back up to second place with 39 points as we reached the halfway mark of the Premier League season, having played 19 games.

Next, The Gunners will travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday for another Premier League match. This will be their first game outside of London since late November.