Brentford vs Arsenal All Goals Highlights
Arsenal showcased their resilience and determination with a stunning 3-1 comeback victory at Brentford, keeping their Premier League title hopes alive. The Gunners, who trailed early in the match, turned the game on its head with two quick goals in the second half, moving back to second place in the league standings.
⏱️ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘:
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) January 1, 2025
🔥 Arsenal secures a crucial victory!
🐝 Brentford 1-3 Arsenal 🔴⚪️#BREARS #AFC #PL pic.twitter.com/Q2yRPkFaoO
A Rocky Start for Arsenal
The match began on a sour note for Arsenal as Brentford took the lead just 13 minutes in. Bryan Mbeumo capitalized on a defensive lapse, cutting inside and firing a powerful shot past David Raya at the near post. It was a clinical finish from Mbeumo, who now has 11 goals this season, placing him among the league’s top scorers.
Arsenal’s shaky start nearly worsened when Raya fumbled a shot from Keane Lewis-Potter. The goalkeeper scrambled to claw the ball off the line, narrowly avoiding a second Brentford goal. However, this moment of panic seemed to ignite Arsenal’s fighting spirit.
Gabriel Jesus Sparks the Arsenal Comeback
Just moments after Raya’s close call, Arsenal found their equalizer. Brentford failed to clear their lines, and Thomas Partey’s strike from the edge of the box forced a save from Mark Flekken. Gabriel Jesus pounced on the rebound, heading the ball into the net to level the score. It was Jesus’ sixth goal in four matches, a testament to his red-hot form.
Second-Half Brilliance
The Gunners came out firing in the second half, and it didn’t take long for them to take the lead. A corner from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri caused chaos in the Brentford box, and after a blocked effort from Jesus, Mikel Merino poked the ball home. This marked Arsenal’s 25th goal from a corner since the start of last season, highlighting their set-piece prowess.
Brentford barely had time to regroup before Arsenal struck again. Nwaneri, making his first Premier League start in place of the injured Bukayo Saka, delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Although Nathan Collins cleared the ball, it fell to Gabriel Martinelli, who unleashed a lethal finish to make it 3-1.
Ethan Nwaneri Shines in Saka’s Absence
Nwaneri’s performance was a standout moment in the match. The teenager, who became the youngest player in Premier League history two years ago, played a pivotal role in two of Arsenal’s goals. His creativity and composure provided a glimpse of his immense potential, giving Mikel Arteta hope that he can fill the void left by Saka’s injury.
Arsenal’s Title Hopes Stay Alive
The victory moves Arsenal six points behind league leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand. The Gunners will have the chance to close the gap further when they face Brighton on Saturday, ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United.
Brentford, who had won seven of their first nine home matches this season, were left stunned by Arsenal’s relentless second-half performance. The Gtech Community Stadium fell silent as the Gunners cruised to a well-deserved victory.
Arsenal’s comeback victory at Brentford not only showcased their attacking firepower but also highlighted the depth of their squad. With young talents like Nwaneri stepping up, Mikel Arteta’s men remain firmly in the hunt for their first Premier League title in two decades.
