Arsenal made a perfect start to 2025 by coming from behind to earn a 3-1 away victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day that moved them up to second in the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta’s men did not have it all their own way, with Bryan Mbeumo continuing his fine campaign by netting an 11th league goal of the season to give the Bees a shock 13th-minute lead.
But in-form Gabriel Jesus restored parity just before the half-hour mark, heading in from close range after Thomas Partey’s effort was spilled by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Two goals in three minutes early in the second half were enough to secure a key Gunners win, as Mikel Merino finished following another set-piece routine before Gabriel Martinelli brilliantly netted Arsenal’s third.
Wednesday’s triumph sees Arsenal leapfrog Nottingham Forest in the standings to move six points behind leaders Liverpool, while Brentford – who have now gone four top-flight matches without a win – stay in 12th.
Data Debrief: Gunners enjoy derby day delight
Ahead of kick-off, Arteta said that his side would have to be “like a hammer” in their pursuit of Liverpool, and they hit the nail on the head to keep their title hopes alive.
And they earned their latest win by coming from a goal behind, emerging victorious in an away game having conceded the opener for the first time since February 2023 at Aston Villa (4-2).
The Gunners' comeback was led by Jesus, who has now scored six goals in his last four Arsenal appearances in all competitions – as many as his previous 48 beforehand. The Brazilian has also scored in back-to-back away games in the Premier League for the first time since April 2023.
Arsenal started the new year with yet another win against teams from the capital. They have picked up more points in Premier League London derbies this season (14) than any other side, while no side has fewer points in such matches this term than Brentford (four, level with Crystal Palace).
