In the Premier League match on January 2nd, Arsenal made a remarkable 3-1 comeback against Brentford. In the first half, Mbeumo scored for the home team, but Jesus equalized with a rebound shot, and Raya made a crucial save on the goal line. In the second half, Merino scored in a chaotic situation to reverse the score, and Martinelli further extended the lead.
Arsenal has now won four consecutive matches across all competitions and remains unbeaten in 12 matches (9 wins, 3 draws), including three consecutive wins and nine unbeaten in the Premier League. After 19 rounds, Arsenal has accumulated 39 points, trailing Liverpool at the top by 6 points, having played one more game.
Key moments of the match include:
- In the 13th minute, Odegaard's midfield pass was intercepted, leading to a Brentford counterattack where Mbeumo scored low to give Brentford a 1-0 lead over Arsenal.
- In the 29th minute, Thomas' long-range shot was saved, and Jesus headed in the rebound to level the score for Arsenal. Jesus has scored six goals in his last four matches.
- In the 50th minute, Arsenal had a corner kick opportunity, and in the ensuing melee, Merino scored to put Arsenal ahead 2-1.
- In the 53rd minute, Martinelli scored to extend Arsenal's lead to 3-1.
Other notable moments from the match include:
- In the 9th minute, Nwaneri broke through and crossed the ball, but it was cleared out for a corner by the defenders.
- In the 27th minute, Arsenal attacked with a set-piece, and Thomas' shot from inside the box was blocked.
- In the 28th minute, Arsenal narrowly avoided disaster as Raya fumbled the ball but managed to clear it before it crossed the goal line.
- In the 63rd minute, Raya's throw almost created a one-on-one chance, but Fleck made a crucial save.
The starting lineups for both teams were as follows:
Arsenal: 22-Raya, 12-Timber, 2-Saliba, 6-Gabriel, 33-Calafiori (78' 49-Skelly), 5-Thomas, 23-Merino (78' 41-Rice), 8-Odegaard (88' 20-Jorginho), 53-Nwaneri (78' 19-Trossard), 9-Jesus (92' 17-Zinchenko), 11-Martinelli
Substitutes not used: 32-Neto, 15-Kiwior, 3-Tierney, 46-Cabia
Brentford: 1-Fleck, 22-Collins, 30-Rosler, 4-Van den Berg (75' 36-Kim Ji-soo), 6-Norgaard (75' 8-Jensen), 11-Vissa (75' 7-Shad), 18-Yarmoluk, 19-Mbeumo, 24-Damsgaard (75' 32-Mahoma), 27-Janet, 23-Lewis Porter
Substitutes not used: 12-Ward, 26-Konate, 21-McGma, 42-Yogano, 43-Benjamin Arthur
