Agencies
Arsenal came from behind to beat Brentford in the first Premier League fixture of 2025 and boost their title hopes.
Bryan Mbeumo put the hosts ahead, but Gabriel Jesus equalised with his sixth goal in four games.
Quickfire strikes from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli then ensured Arsenal left west London with all three points.
It was vindication for manager Mikel Arteta, who named a changed side with Kai Havertz left out while 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first Premier League start.
Arsenal are back up to second, six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, while Brentford stay 12th.
Brentford took the lead in the 12th minute after Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard sloppily gave the ball away in midfield. Mikkel Damsgaard intercepted his pass and slid a through ball for Mbeumo.
The Bees forward cut inside and beat former Brentford goalkeeper David Raya at his near post.
But Arsenal, who were below par for the opening 30 minutes, equalised when Gabriel Jesus headed in the rebound after Thomas Partey’s shot was parried away by Mark Flekken.
The Gunners laboured at times during the first half, struggling with the absence of the injured Bukayo Saka.
But they were renewed after the break, scoring twice in eight minutes.
The first came when Brentford failed to clear a corner, Flekken missing his punch, and the resulting goalmouth scramble ended in Merino slamming home from close range.
And they moved 3-1 ahead on 53 minutes when Martinelli cracked a loose ball past Flekken from 12 yards, before easing to victory as Brentford faded.
Leaky Brentford limp to another home loss
Having built their impressive early season form on a formidable home record, Brentford have now lost back to back games at their Community Stadium and were flat after going behind on this occasion.
Mbeumo continues to enjoy an impressive campaign. Only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak have scored more than the Cameroon international in the top flight this season.
But the defence were slow to react to the first and third goals, allowing Arsenal attackers to pounce on loose balls, while Flekken was too weak in his attempted punch ahead of the second.
Only the Bees and Ipswich are yet to keep a home clean sheet in the league this season.
It means Brentford have now won just one of their past seven matches in all competitions, and Thomas Frank needs to find a solution quickly to stop his side sliding into mid-table obscurity.
