Arsenal Fight Back to Beat Brentford and Stay in Title Race

Arsenal came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Brentford in the opening Premier League fixture of 2025, boosting their title ambitions. Bryan Mbeumo put Brentford ahead in the 12th minute after a sloppy pass from Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard but Gabriel Jesus equalized, scoring his sixth goal in four games. Arsenal then took control with Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli scoring quickfire goals early in the second half to seal all three points.

The win was a boost for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who made several changes to the starting lineup including leaving out Kai Havertz due to illness and handing 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri his first Premier League start. Arsenal are now second in the league, six points behind leaders Liverpool while Brentford remain in 12th. Brentford’s opening goal came after Arsenal’s defensive lapse with Mbeumo cutting inside to beat goalkeeper David Raya.

Arsenal, struggling in the first half, equalized when Jesus pounced on a rebound from Thomas Partey’s shot. After the break, Brentford failed to clear a corner and Merino capitalized, scoring from close range. Martinelli added a third, making it 3-1 just minutes later and Arsenal comfortably saw out the win. Raya had a shaky homecoming, making several mistakes including nearly conceding a second goal when Mbeumo’s shot slipped through his hands.

Nwaneri played a crucial role, providing the assist for both of Arsenal’s second-half goals. Meanwhile, Brentford’s defense which had been strong earlier in the season, struggled as they slumped to their second consecutive home defeat. Mbeumo’s form remains a highlight but Thomas Frank must find a solution to stop his team’s slide.