Bukayo Saka had to watch on as a spectator as Arsenal secured a 3-1 victory over Brentford on New Year’s Day.
After Brentford went ahead against the run of play at the Gtech Community Stadium, Arsenal had to produce a comeback to claim three vital points in the Premier League title race.
Gabriel Jesus equalised for the Gunners, before Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli struck a quick fire double after the break to seal the win.
The North London club were without a number of key players in this match. Bukayo Saka is out of action after having undergone surgery, and has joined a collection of players on the treatment table.
Meanwhile, the Arsenal squad was hit by a sickness bug ahead of this fixture, forcing Kai Havertz out contention.
Bukayo Saka sums up Arsenal win
Mikel Arteta had to hand Ethan Nwaneri his first Premier League start, as he sought to cope with a depleted attacking contingent.
However, even without the likes of Saka and Havertz available, the Gunners proved that there is still plenty of firepower within their ranks.
Watching on and unable to influence the match himself, Saka was impressed by what he saw from his Arsenal teammates and shared his thoughts on the performance and the result on his Instagram story (01/01/2025, 20:30) after the match.
The England international summed it up simply, just saying: “Big!”
In the context of the task of reeling in current Premier League leaders Liverpool, this was a must-win match for Arteta’s side, and they did not disappoint. It certainly was a big and important result, as it kept Arsenal’s title hopes just about alive.
Ethan Nwaneri hailed for display in Saka role vs Brentford
Whilst Arteta expects Havertz to return to action quickly, in time to face Brighton on Saturday, the manager will perhaps not feel that he needs to rush the German back into the side.
Jesus deserves to keep his place in the starting XI based on his recent form, having netted six goals in his last four games. Likewise, off the back of his finish against the Bees, Martinelli will expect to remain in the team.
Arsenal icon Martin Keown was thrilled by Nwaneri’s performance against Brentford, as the 17-year-old showed that he can be relied upon to deputise for the injured Saka on the right flank.
The Hale End academy wonderkid deserves further opportunities and may even be able to prove that the Gunners do not need to make use of the January transfer window to find a replacement for Saka, as he can provide an internal solution to that problem himself.
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