Arsenal start 2025 with a bang in impressive comeback win | OneFootball

Arsenal fought back from an early deficit to defeat Brentford 3-1 away from home in the first Premier League fixture of 2025.

Scorers: Mbeumo 13'; Jesus 29', Merino 50', Martinelli 53'

The Gunners were caught cold 13 minutes into the new year when Bryan Mbeumo was set free down the right and cut inside Riccardo Calafiori before sneaking past David Raya at his front post for the opener.

Only a fantastic claw back on his own line from the Spaniard saw Brentford prevented from doubling their lead and within a minute, it proved even more pivotal when they levelled.

A strong save from Mark Flekken saw the ball parried into the path of Gabriel Jesus, who dived to head home and equalise.

Five minutes after half-time, Arsenal turned things around completely when another corner kick led to confusion defensively for Brentford and when Flekken flapped at a loose ball, Mikel Merino pounced to convert.

Within two minutes, they added a second and on his first Premier League start, Ethan Nwaneri sent in a cross from the right which the Bees failed to deal with and Gabriel Martinelli latched onto the ball to arc home a delightful volley.

Those goals were enough to see Arsenal move back into the top two and above Nottingham Forest, closing the gap on Liverpool to six points, although the leaders have a game in hand.

The victory also sees Jesus extend his impressive record to 62 games of not losing in any Premier League game he has scored in.

Brentford remain in 12th.

📸 Richard Heathcote - 2024 Getty Images