Arsenal started 2025 in style, coming from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford stunned Arsenal early in the first half. Although Arsenal dominated possession with over 80% of the ball in the opening minutes, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock.
In the 13th minute, Mikkel Damsgaard intercepted a pass from Martin Odegaard and launched a counter-attack, sending a perfect ball to Bryan Mbeumo.
The Brentford striker cleverly cut inside, avoiding Riccardo Calafiori, and finished past his former teammate David Raya at the near post.
Arsenal, shaken but undeterred, responded. Brentford almost doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Keane Lewis-Potter’s shot slipped through Raya’s gloves, but the keeper recovered to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Moments later, Gabriel Jesus took advantage of a defensive error to equalize the score.
Thomas Partey’s shot was parried by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, but Jesus was perfectly positioned to score the rebound.
Another great team performance ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DBEOSEQe05
–Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 1, 2025
The teams went into halftime with a score of 1-1. Arsenal had controlled possession and created more chances, but Brentford’s counter-attacking threat kept them in the contest.
In the 50th minute, Mikel Merino turned a scrappy free kick into a goal.
Ethan Nwaneri’s corner caused chaos in the box, with Flekken knocking the ball over under pressure.
After a blocked effort from Jesus, Merino reacted quickest to slot the ball into the net, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead.
Just three minutes later, Arsenal increased their advantage further. Nwaneri once again played a crucial role, delivering a cross which Brentford’s Nathan Collins was only able to partially clear.
Gabriel Martinelli latched onto the loose ball, taking a touch before firing a powerful strike 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 resolute Arsenal backline.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made several changes to manage the match in the closing stages. Odegaard, Nwaneri and Merino were replaced by experienced leaders like Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice, ensuring Arsenal retained control.
Brentford’s best chance to claw back a goal came in stoppage time. Mathias Jensen delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but despite a diving effort he was not satisfied and drifted harmlessly for a shot. goal foot.
Arsenal’s victory gives them their 11th league win of the season and extends their unbeaten run in London derbies to an incredible 11 games. They remain firmly in the title race, putting pressure on league leaders Liverpool.
Brentford, meanwhile, will reflect on missed chances and defensive errors, but can take solace in their overall good form at home this season.
