Arsenal have avoided an alarming stat stretching to a tenth game as they began 2025 in the perfect manner.
Mikel Arteta‘s side picked up a big three points as they overcame Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day.
It was Brentford who stole a surprise lead in the 13th minute as Bryan Mbeumo scored his ninth goal at home in the Premier League this season.
With the Bees ahead, it left the Gunners with an uphill battle to work their way back into the contest.
History was not on Arsenal’s side either, as they had failed to win their last nine away league games whenever the opposition had scored first.
Thankully for Arteta’s side, that worrying run did not extend to a tenth game.
Gabriel Jesus netted the equaliser for the Gunners in the 29th minute to spark jubilant scenes in the away end.
The Brazilian was on his toes to nod home the rebound after Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken made an impressive stop to deny Thomas Partey from range.
Jesus’ goal was his sixth in his last four games for the Gunners across all competitions.
The tally matched Jesus’ haul from his previous 48 games for the club, emphasising the impressive form he’s enjoyed of late.
Arsenal then ripped the contest away from Brentford with two strikes in the space of three minutes early in the second half.
Mikel Merino found himself in the right place at the right time as Brentford failed to clear their lines from a cross, smashing home from close range after the ball pin-balled around inside the hosts’ 18-yard box.
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Gabriel Martinelli added Arsenal’s third in the 53rd minute when Brentford once again could not deal with a cross.
The Bees defended Ethan Nwaneri’s whipped ball into the box but it landed straight at Martinelli, who controlled the ball before unleashing an unstoppable volley.
Martinelli’s strike was his third in his last three away starts for Arsenal and helped to give Arteta’s side some needed breathing space against Brentford.
Arsenal’s third goal sucked the life out of the Brentford fans and the team, who simply could not handle the visitors changing gears.
The win lifted Arsenal back up to second in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Nottingham Forest in the process.
However, they remain six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand over the Gunners.
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As for Brentford, the loss extended their winless run to a fifth match and was their second-consecutive defeat at home having previously been unbeaten all season long.
Despite the defeat, the Bees remain 12th on 24 points.
Thomas Frank’s side have a golden chance to snap their winless run when they travel to last-placed Southampton on January 4.
Arsenal are also in action on the same day as they make the trip down south to Brighton, who are in the midst of a run of seven games without a win.
Gabriel Jesus’ last six games for Arsenal
December 11 vs AS Monaco (Champions League): Assist
December 14 vs Everton (Premier League): N/A
December 18 vs Crystal Palace (Carabao Cup): Three goals
December 21 vs Crystal Palace (Premier League): Two goals
December 27 vs Ipswich Town (Premier League): N/A
January 1 vs Brentford (Premier League): Goal
Total: Six games, six goals, one assist
