Arsenal secured a 3-1 win against Brentford this evening as they closed the gap on Liverpool.
The Gunners began the game in fine form as they sought to open the scoring against the Bees.
Knowing this was their chance to close the gap, Arsenal were caught off guard when Brentford took the lead against the run of play after just 13 minutes, courtesy of Bryan Mbeumo.
It was a shocking start for the Gunners, and they nearly conceded a second goal shortly afterwards. However, David Raya made amends for spilling an earlier shot by recovering just in time to avert further damage.
Arsenal looked rattled in the moments following Brentford’s opener, but they worked hard and equalised through Gabriel Jesus before the half-hour mark.
The Gunners dominated the game and continued to press the Bees in search of a lead before halftime, though they were unable to find the breakthrough.
As the second half began, Arsenal turned on the style and were rewarded almost immediately with a goal from Mikel Merino.
Just three minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled their lead with a fine strike, putting Arsenal firmly in control.
Mikel Arteta’s team looked hungry for more, delivering a significantly better performance in the second half than at the start of the game.
Their attacking efforts were matched by a solid defensive display, frustrating Brentford’s attempts to score late goals. Arsenal held firm to secure an impressive 3-1 victory.
Merino’s got himself a song. Pretty cr*p one, but a song all the same.
Great win and three well deserved points to kick off the new year! All attention now on the trip to Brighton. COYG!!!
What a way to start the new year. I believe this team still has a chance at the title. Liverpool is our biggest obstacle and I believe they will also falter at some point. They’ve had everything going for them, no red cards, no significant injuries and luck has really been on their side unlike Arsenal. We really had a good game today and we should keep it up. COYG.
No significant injuries when at one point they had their first goalie (Alisson), first choice center back (Konate), first choice right back (Trent) etc all out? Why as Gunners we tend to magnify our injuries over other like this?
A much needed 3 points. Not vintage Arsenal and a few lucky escapes but an away win at Brentford (even a depleated Brentford) is a very good result. The only minus for me is at Brighton, i see Partey at RB again. He is our best Midfielder, it isn’t right. I have always been someone who thinks you play your best players in their best positions. Rice and Merino are not our best midfield but I doubt it will be Rice and Partey. Brighton will be a tougher prospect than Brentford. Lets hope we are getting some momentum.
Why do you think Partey will go to Right back against Brighton?
Is Timber suspended or injured for that game?
What Arteta might do is replace Nwaneri and Merino with Trossard and Havertz respectively, which in my opinion will reduce the team’s strength.
Well, let’s wait and see on Saturday.
Yellow card accumulation suspension for Timber.
Yes as BB says.
Oh, no! This is sad news. Partey will most likely play at Rb now and this weakens us.
Why is that a sad news ? He’s done a good job in that position and Rice got to play in his best position. Versatility is key……
It is not a disaster.
We need to look after Timber this season as plenty of players suffer set backs after ACL injuries.
Although looking after Mitoma could be tricky
Partey at RB noooo for me.
Put Saliba @ RB, Cala pairing with Big Gab at center back and MLS @ LB.
Return Saliba to CB for Cala after 60min, the move MLS to RB and put Tierny LB.
Its sad news because he is our best midfielder and limited RB.
What do you mean by depleted? They have their best players on the field!!!
Don’t show your ignorance. They have 8 players out and most were starting. Even on the TV, it said they were missing half their team.
Ooops, my bad!!
I was scared that we will drop points in this match then my fear worsened after their first goal but the boys gave a good performance and turned the game around.
The boys did well without Saka and Arteta’s beloved player, Havertz.
They should keep up the good performance.
Jesus with another goal which will be good for his confidence. Hopefully this good form continues.
Now on to Brighton another match I’m scared of. I hope they do a good job and give us another win against Brighton.
Some hope in a professional win against a team to that can take points against our main rivals. Partey was the man by a long shot and some solid back up by Saliba, Martinelli, Timber and Nwanerii. I thought Odegaard was below par. He focused too much on the right and very rarely looked to switch play. As well as that he looked a bit off the pace. I hope it was just one of those games for him. Califiori is a bit of a loose cannon but I think he will adapt quickly and find his rhythm with further game time.
Good win today boys. Shaky start but grew into the game.
One thing to say about Odegaard though. Three times in that game, Gabriel showed his frustration with Odegaard. I think that Gabriel should actually be Arsenal’s captain.
I don’t know if anyone else has noticed, but Odegaard spends more time rubbing his nose and then rubbing it through his hair.
If you don’t believe me, watch him in a game off the ball. The amount of times he does it.
He does a lot of running during games, and I think that it disguises his lack of actual creating anything in a lot of games recently.
@Derek. Odegaard was very disappointing. He blew SNOT onto the pitch more times than he touched the ball. Bout time he shaved that rubbish growing under his chin. He’s starting to look like Cat Weasel
Bit harsh. He did look below his usual high standards, but all considered (illness in team, the nose stuff, hooked 5mins to go) he may have been under the weather.
Sensible Gooner,
Its not a recent thing, he’s been doing this in a fare few games now.
Also, with all his running around he looks like he’s busy. But if you look at his overall performances, he’s not really contributing much to the side. Something he needs to put right as club captain.
Me personally would like to see Gabriel as the club captain. He shows presence on the pitch, something that the current club captain lacks unfortunately.
Partey at RB noooo for me.
Put Saliba @ RB, Cala pairing with Big Gab at center back and MLS @ LB.
Return Saliba to CB for Cala after 60min, the move MLS to RB and put Tierny LB.
Are you mental? You don’t break up the best CB pairing in the league to cover RB, you put Calafiori or Tierney in there but more likely Partey, who has managed better there when asked this season. Not ideal but preferable to moving Saliba.
Watch your words buddy…. He’s a fellow fan
I’ve been wondering if there’s something related to the birth of his baby on Dec 1 which is effecting him in some marginal way. He hasn’t seemed quite the same since. I hope everything is o.k. with the new dad and family.
Ødegaard has been below par for a long time when equated with the standard other players get measured with.
At least he has clearly been inconsistent in some ways while consistent in some others and wouldn’t get close to elite rating by me.
Trossard has been better
Martinelli has been better
Rice has been better
Just about everybody who plays regularly has been better, generally.
And not just this season only.
I didn’t even think he was much better than Jesus when he ( Gabriel ) clearly was fumbling . . .
But you see . . . he is one of the most loved + the captain – which makes him ( somewhat unfairly ) untouchable.
He has the license to perform below standard and get praised for it.
They just have running around as work rate and motivation to praise and some flashy moves that does nothing actually for the team most times.
And when he gets an assist . . . It is something to be praised for moons.
I can give him a little credit these days anyway for actually shooting in recent weeks – though I expect almost nothing from it. At least now he shoots. Unlike the past when he could have the opponents post looking at him yet he chooses dancing from side to side as skill. I don’t understand how the commentators keep saying almost everything comes from him . . . And the rating he gets after each match.
I wonder!!!!
On a certain JA post, I once opined Ødegaard should be sent on loan
😁
Some online dude wept, bitterly.
But truth is he is one of our most underperforming players.
Havertz may not have been absolutely magical. And I know it.
But I will keep singing his praise above the rooftop since Ødegaard gets worshipped playing close to rubbish, often.
I was so happy for Martinelli today. It seemed that the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders after that goal.
Hopefully turns around like Jesus. Less over-complicating, more having confidence to just put it in the net. We know he’s capable.
He has scored two in the past threvidence.
I am still skeptical Jesus will continue with his form for a foreseeable future based on past evidence.
But if there is more to come from the two Brazilians it will make a big difference.
Agree HH, both have to give mire over a longer period, not fits and starts. Both been under par for over a season. Not good enough at this level.
Jesus has not only scored more recently, he’s scored some proper striker’s goals, possibly showing instincts and composure I didn’t think he really had – not counting my chickens, but I hope this continues
I believe he really does have those instincts and composure in him. He is a special player and I would not be afraid to put his individual skills up against anyone in the club. I’m hoping he has finally gained the confidence (and has fully recovered physically in all ways) to finally get past that devastating WC injury.
I thought it was an enjoyable encounter for the neutrals
Whilst Odegaard did give the ball away cheaply, there was still an opportunity to have rescued the goal. Overall, I’d agree that he wasn’t as accurate as I’ve come to expect- maybe it is being a first time father, but I thought he tried to make things happen
The Brentford penalty area was pretty overcrowded at times and there were chances for crosses or from ping pong situations if Havertz had been there to get his head on one of them. Well done to Jesus who scored directly after Raya got his mitts on a ball that was destined to make it a miserable night
Nwaneri was excellent. It’s hard to believe how young he is.
Sorry to say, I found some of the early criticism totally unnecessary – almost looking for negatives which then look half baked as the match progressed. Too many pre conceived ideas instead of giving the game time to develop. Brentford had a very good home record and we won well.
Throughout January, Arsenal are facing multiple matches and having an unexpected starting line up that did well is encouraging to me at least.
This was such an important game imo along with Brighton on Saturday. I’m hoping this will give additional confidence going to the AMEX. If we can pull it off, then I think we’ll be fine this season in the various competitions and even have a slim chance to catch LP even without Bukayo. Maybe I’m dreaming but hey, it’s free. I really hope his little one is fine and Martin’s handling all the massive changes in his personal life well.
Interesting summary
Totally agree with you though on harsh comments at the start
In defence of some
They call it as they see it at the time
As the game grew older and especially 2nd half i thought we looked professional, calm and a team togetherness
As I mentioned on previous post
Brentford had taken 22 points from 27 until we rocked up
You got to earn your points when you go there
Don’t think everyone remembers a few seasons back when they first came up. Start of the season and they run us ragged
Really good winning tonight
Onwards and upwards
Allanball08
Your first line has un-nerved me. Was it interesting or you thought my views were wide of the mark?😬
Thought you were spot on
MO wasn’t at his best today but still he gives a 110%
Sorry to say, I found some of the early criticism totally unnecessary – almost looking for negatives ….totally agree
2nd now and hunting pool down
Let’s see how they cope with pressure being the hunted rather then the hunter
Good point there, Allanball08 about being the hunter rather than the hunted. Its fair to say that being top dog didn’t do us any favours over the last 2 seasons.
I don’t mind if we come up on the rails late in April, early May and stick it up ’em (as in Corporal Jones)
Alanball08, I remember that game. We were missing a few players due to COVID and injuries, plus Saka could only come on in the second half due to missing a lot of pre-season because he played in the final of the Euros.
SueP, totally agree with you concerning the criticism. I noticed it started when the team sheet was announced and then carried on in the first half. People moan about lack of player rotation, then moan when players are rotated. Seems that whatever Mikel does, people will moan.
No HD, I for one have called for rotation. Its what Arteta does to a team when he has an injury. It turned out ok in the end tonight, probably by 3 inches. But it hasn’t in the past. There is a difference with dealing with injuries and totally changing the team around to fix it. Arteta complicates things by not just fixing the thing that needs fixing. There is no need to put this player over there and that player over here and this player out and that player in to sort one position out. Thats the point. Thats also the point people have been making for the last 3 season. In games when a simple solution was needed and a more complicated one was applied. We got away with it tonight but we haven’t in the past. I think people were right to say the team wasn’t right before the game. I don’t think it was but this time it ended ok for us.
So Reggie, what professional teams have you managed ?
What sort of a dopey question is that?
Not dopey at all.
Says it all.
Well your original post to me could also be called dopey.
And which one have you managed HD? With your constant criticism of Wenger where is your statue at? What have you won? That was a very childish reply to Reggie just to avoid conceding an argument.
Really disappointing coming from an older supporter we expect to get wisdom from.
HH, none, but then I’m not the one moaning about the current manager and his rotation of players.
Pretty sure I rejoined JA after Wenger had been sacked, so I was hardly criticising the manager.
As if I conceded an argument 😂😂.
Still, at least I replied to you. Shame you’ve never replied when I’ve asked you questions 😁
Oh you hero!!!! Not.
Pot, kettle, black…
I think some on here will never missed the opportunity to whine, @sue. Though I enjoyed how silly those ridiculous comments made them look at the end.
Utter cringe
What a Gonk!!!!
Lol!!!
3 points in! Partey extension what are they waiting for? Calafiori welp, 40M down the drain?
We started off like we did at Fulham, all over them without creating any chances, they breakaway and scored with their first attempt. This time though we comeback and secure the much needed 3 points. Long way still to go in the PL, and no one knows who will win it.
Happy New Year to you all.
Liverpool will win. The advantage they have is considerable (points and squad depth).
I thing we can survive in the top with our 2 central strikes but we needs a top winger to mainstay the hopes if Liverpool fail.
Liverpool’s squad depth you said?
Liverpool has had no need to stretch their team beyond it’s first line scale. We will see their adaptability when they encounter those squad depth stretching situations.
You don’t know what you are talking about. They had as many injuries as us and more, when we were hemorrhaging points and they weren’t. Talk real.
Truth. They can field completely different forward lines and not really see much drop in quality. Only Chelsea can do similar.
Arsenal mad a good show of it with forward line of
Nwaneri – Jesus – Martinelli
alternatively
Saka – Havertz – Trossard
but agreed that Arsenal could use one more to back them up (on top of Sterling loan)
Happy new year my fellow gooners and the odd spud who has infiltrated this site
Isn’t it nice to wake up to that positive feeling rather then negative blah blah blah talk
One game doesn’t make season but rather take a win no matter how it comes rather then that sinking feeling of losing a game.
Don’t get me wrong there is still a lot to do and it is far from perfect but the 2nd half performance at the Gtech was a step in the right direction.
Silverware Is what we are all after and you dont win it in January but you can sure lose it and we are still in there fighting on all fronts with our best player injured.
Speedy recovery BS and look forward to seeing you strut your stuff again very soon
Good result from the boys, manger and team
Onwards and upwards
I don’t really know why all the complains about Odegard against The Bee yesterday. It seemed some fans did not understand the velocity of the match yesterday. It’s Brentford we are talking about…. Not all times you expected a star to shine. To me Odegaard was calm on the ball but the connectivity between him and Saka was void because of the absent of the England internationale.
Happy New year to all, so Arsenal had to turn on the Afterburner in the second half.
Could this be the new trend for 2025, maybe we may just have to wait and see, have seen the champions done it time and time again but that was before the legendary Pep Guarrdiola lost his mojo.
Not sure why some posters find the need to worry about what other posters write ,
Get the 3 points and their first thought is to whinge about other posters opinions,very strange .
I hope Nwaneri did enough to convince MA that he is more than capable of deputising for Saka and/or Odegaard. Hopefully faith will continued to be shown in him and Lewis-Skelly going forward and that their progress influences any transfer business done in January. Such was Nwaneri’s performance I think it would actually be detrimental to him and the team if MA were to bring in another winger. Just spend the money on Gyokores or Vlahovic or Sesko or whoever, just no more wingers!!!