Arsenal started 2025 in style, coming from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 at the GTech Community Stadium.
Brentford surprised Arsenal at the start of the first half. Although Arsenal controlled the ball more than 80% in the first minutes, it was the hosts who opened the scoring.
In the 13th minute, Mikkel Damsgaard intercepted Martin Odegaard's pass, launched a counterattack and passed a perfect ball to Brian Mbeumo.
The Brentford striker skillfully cut the ball inside, evading Riccardo Calafiore, and finished off his former team-mate David Raya at the near post.
A shaken but undeterred Arsenal responded. Brentford almost doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Kane Lewis-Potter's shot went through Raya's gloves, but the goalkeeper recovered to prevent the ball from crossing the goal line.
Moments later, Gabriel Jesus took advantage of a defensive lapse to equalize the score.
Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flecken blocked Thomas Partey's shot, but Jesus was in the perfect position to slot the rebound into the net.
Another performance by a great team ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DBeoSEQe05
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 1, 2025
The two teams entered the first half tied 1-1. Arsenal dominated possession and created more chances, but Brentford's counter-attack threat kept them in the game.
In the 50th minute, Mikel Merino converted a free ball into a goal.
Ethan Nwaniri's corner kick caused chaos in the box, with Flecken throwing the ball away under pressure.
After an attempt from Jesus, Merino responded quickly and slotted the ball into the net, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead.
Just three minutes later, Arsenal increased their lead further. Nwaniri again played a decisive role, sending in a cross that Brentford's Nathan Collins could only partially clear.
Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the loose ball, taking one touch before firing a powerful shot past Flecken to make it 3-1.
Gabigul 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/HAc8BC94o6
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 1, 2025
After that, Brentford, despite their lively 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 final stages. Odegaard, Nuaneri and Merino were replaced by experienced bosses such as Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice, ensuring Arsenal maintained control.
Brentford's best chance to get the goal back came in stoppage time. Mathias Jensen sent a dangerous cross into the box, but despite a diving attempt, it was not met and drifted harmlessly out for a goal kick.
Arsenal's win saw them record their 11th league win of the season and extend their unbeaten record in London derbies to an astonishing 11 matches. The team remains steadfast in the title race, which increases the pressure on league leaders Liverpool.
Brentford, meanwhile, will reflect on missed opportunities and defensive errors, but can take solace in their generally strong form at home this season.
