Arsenal beat Brentford to win first Premier League game of 2025

In the opening Premier League match of 2025, Arsenal overcame a deficit to defeat Brentford and increase their chances of winning the. Gabriel Jesus equalized with his sixth goal in four games after Bryan Mbeumo gave the home team the lead.

Arsenal then departed West London with all three points thanks to quick goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino. Manager Mikel Arteta's decision to select 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri in the Premier League and leave Kai Havertz out of the starting lineup was a vindication.

Martin Odegaard, the captain of Arsenal, carelessly handed the ball away in midfield, and Brentford took the lead in the twelfth minute. After intercepting his throw, Mikkel Damsgaard slipped a through ball for Mbeumo. The Bees striker beat David Raya, the former Brentford goalie, at his near post after cutting inside. However, when Mark Flekken parried Thomas Partey's attempt, Gabriel Jesus headed in the rebound to give Arsenal, who had been below par throughout the first half, an equalizer.

…first win of 2025: done 🔴⚪️🥂 pic.twitter.com/aM7KsdzmY6

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2025

Premier League title race getting close

During the first half, the Gunners struggled at times due to Bukayo Saka's injury absence. They scored twice in eight minutes after the interval, though, and were rejuvenated. The first was when Flekken missed his punch after Brentford failed to clear a corner, and Merino smashed home from close range after the goalmouth scramble. On minute 53, Martinelli smashed a loose ball past Flekken from 12 yards out, giving them a 3-1 lead.

Brentford remains in 12th place, as Arsenal moves back up to second place, six points behind Premier League champions Liverpool. Liverpool play Manchester United in their next game.