Arsenal jumped to second position on the Premier League table after a first match in 2025 ended in a 3-1 win over Brentford.
The victory was secured by two of Arsenal’s stars, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli, who scored not too long after the second half began to seal the victory.
Arsenal started the match with a strong start as they dominated the gae but were soon caught on the counter by Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, whose goal secured his team an early lead. Gabriel Jesus retaliated with a poacher’s finish that set the second half of the game for decision after a first half draw.
Ethan Nwaneri, who played as a starter for the first time in the Premier League, played a major role in Arsenal’s win.
Mark Flekken’s inability to clear a corner gave the way for Merino to find the net, while Martinelli scored another brilliant finish from a cross through Nwaneri.
After the last goal, the Gunners controlled the match as the team took the second position from Nottingham Forest, with only six points behind league leaders Liverpool.
The loss for Brentford put the England team in 12th place in the league as they sit nine posts above the relegation area.
