Arsenal came from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium to start 2025 in style.
After starting the new year in third place, Arsenal moved up to second in the Premier League table, putting pressure on Liverpool in the title race.
Things didn’t start as anticipated for the Gunners, who conceded in the 13th minute as transfer target Bryan Mbeumo beat Raya at his near-post.
From then on, Arsenal made their quality known, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino scoring to ensure three points travelled back to N5.
Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford
David Raya – 6
On his first visit back to his former home, Raya seemed rather nervous between the sticks, being beaten at his near-post by Mbeumo.
The Arsenal ‘keeper did pull off a spectacular save to deny a certain goal, hooking the ball away from danger off the line.
Riccardo Calafiori – 4.5
Calafiori was slammed for his defending against Brentford, as the Italian was at fault for Mbeumo’s opener.
The 22-year-old was restored to the starting XI in place of young Myles Lewis-Skelly, a change that arguably should not have been sanctioned by Arteta.
William Saliba – 6
Saliba did what he does every game, bringing some calm to the Arsenal backline alongside his Brazilian counterpart.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
There was nothing extraordinary about Gabriel’s performance, but that’s what makes the 27-year-old so pleasing to watch.
No drama, just a very good defender who has formed the perfect partnership with Saliba.
Jurrien Timber – 6
It was an equally no-nonsense performance from Timber, who continues to thrive at right-back.
The only qualm about the Dutchman’s display was that Timber picked up a suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card and will miss Arsenal’s clash with Brighton.
Thomas Partey – 7
Partey was restored to the midfield as Declan Rice was on the bench due to a knock and the Ghanaian ensured that the Englishman wasn’t missed.
The 31-year-old was one of the best performers on the night against Brentford, shining in midfield with Merino and Odegaard.
Mikel Merino – 6
Merino scored his second Premier League goal for Arsenal but regarding his overall performance, there seems to be a lot missing from the summer signings game.
It’s not the first time that Merino has underperformed at Arsenal, with a turnaround in form required to see him make a real impact.
Martin Odegaard – 5.5
Brentford opened the scoring due to some lackadaisical defending from the Gunners, stemming from Odegaard losing the ball.
The captain made little effort to win back possession, triggering the start of Mbeumo’s opener and was generally rather ineffective by his standards at the Gtech.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Arteta returned Martinelli to his favoured left side and had his faith repaid by the Brazilian.
After a rather uneventful first half for the winger, the 24-year-old came alive after the interval, being a constant threat and scoring a lethal volley to put the Gunners 3-1 up.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
As Kai Havertz missed out due to illness, Jesus’ place as Arsenal’s number nine continued, as did his fine scoring form.
The Brazilian’s positioning to score the equaliser was top-class, proving that he can be the target man Arteta’s squad has been crying out for. Long may his form continue.
Ethan Nwaneri – 8.5
It’s easy to forget that Nwaneri is just 17 years old, and his mature performance against the Bees only made his age all the more surprising.
The Englishman filled the right-wing void left by Bukayo Saka exceptionally well, putting in good delivery after good delivery and carrying himself with real confidence.
Substitutes:
Leandro Trossard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jorginho
All had limited influence on the game, coming on late when the score was 3-1.
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