Match Report
Brentford 1-3 Arsenal: Match Report and all you need to know

Arsenal kicked off 2025 with a comeback victory, defeating Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium in their first Premier League fixture of the year. The Gunners displayed resilience and quality to overturn an early deficit, moving up to second place on the league table and narrowing the gap to leaders Liverpool to six points, though the Reds still have a game in hand.
Match Summary
The game began in dramatic fashion, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo capitalizing on a defensive lapse to put the hosts ahead in the 13th minute. The Bees, buoyed by their home crowd, looked poised to spring a surprise on Mikel Arteta’s men. However, Arsenal gradually found their rhythm, with Gabriel Jesus equalizing just before the half-hour mark. The Brazilian forward latched onto a precise pass and finished clinically to restore parity.
Arsenal’s first-half display was far from their best, as they struggled to impose themselves against a well-organized Brentford side. Despite enjoying an equal share of possession, the Gunners lacked the cutting edge to capitalize on their attacking opportunities.
Second-Half Turnaround
Arteta’s halftime team talk seemed to work wonders as Arsenal came out with renewed intensity in the second half. Within three minutes of the restart, midfielder Mikel Merino struck to give the visitors the lead. The Spanish international showcased his composure with a well-taken finish, marking a pivotal moment in the game.
Just moments later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal’s advantage with a brilliant solo effort. The Brazilian winger’s pace and precision left Brentford’s defense scrambling, and his goal effectively sealed the game for the Gunners.
Brentford, despite their early promise, struggled to create meaningful chances in the second half. Arsenal’s defensive organization limited the hosts to just two shots on target throughout the match, with their xG (expected goals) tally of 0.29 reflecting their lack of attacking threat.
Key Stats and Performances
Arsenal’s attacking efficiency proved decisive, as they registered five shots on target from 14 attempts, resulting in an xG of 1.95. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were standout performers, while Merino’s midfield dominance provided the foundation for the victory.
Defensively, Arsenal’s backline, led by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, recovered well after the early setback to keep Brentford at bay. Goalkeeper David Raya also made a crucial save to deny Brentford a route back into the game.
What’s Next?
With this victory, Arsenal now sit second in the Premier League table with 39 points from 19 matches in the 2024/25 campaign. The Gunners are six points behind leaders Liverpool and will aim to maintain their momentum in the title race.
Arsenal’s next challenge comes on Saturday, January 4th, when they travel to the Falmer Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Brentford will look to bounce back when they visit struggling Southampton on the same day.
This victory not only boosts Arsenal’s confidence but also sends a strong message to their rivals that they remain firmly in the hunt for Premier League glory.
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