Arsenal made a perfect start to 2025 by coming from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Brentford on New Year's Day to move into second place in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's men weren't having it all their own way, with Bryan Mbeumo continuing his fine season by scoring an 11th league goal of the season to give the Bees a shocking 13-minute lead.
But the in-form Gabriel Jesus restored parity just before the half-hour mark, heading in from close range after Thomas Partey's effort was spilled by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flokken.
Two goals in three minutes early in the second half were enough to secure an important win for the Gunners, as Mikel Merino finished after another set-piece routine before Gabriel Martinelli brilliantly scored Arsenal's third goal.
Wednesday's win sees Arsenal leapfrog in the standings, moving six points behind leaders Liverpool, while Brentford – who have now gone four top-flight games without a win – remain in 12th place.
Data debrief: Shooters enjoy derby day delight
Ahead of kick-off, Arteta said his side would have to be “like a hammer” in their pursuit of Liverpool, and they hit the nail on the head to keep their title hopes alive.
And they achieved their latest victory by coming from a goal behind to emerge victorious in an away match after conceding the opener against Aston Villa (4-2) for the first time since February 2023.
The Gunners' comeback has been led by Jesus, who has now scored six goals in his last four Arsenal appearances in all competitions – the same as his previous 48 before that. The Brazilian also scored in consecutive Premier League away games for the first time since April 2023.
Arsenal started the new year with yet another victory over teams from the capital. They have collected more points in Premier League London derbies than any other side this season, while no team has fewer points in such matches this season than Brentford (four, equal to Crystal Palace).
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