Brentford’s recent struggles continued as they went down 3-1 at the Community Stadium to London rivals Arsenal. The fixture, the Premier League’s first of the New Year, saw the Gunners come from behind to complete a 3-1 win.
Brentford took the lead with their first attempt on target in the 13th minute. Danish midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard intercepted a Martin Odegaard pass in midfield and the ball was worked to Bryan Mbuemo, who beat David Raya at the near post. Arsenal’s defenders- left back Riccardo Calafiori in particular, would’ve felt they could’ve done a better job at stopping Mbuemo on that occasion.
The Bees nearly went 2-0 up through Lewis-Potter, but Raya’s last-ditch goal-line clearance saved the day for the Gunners. And just minutes later, Arsenal equalised, with Gabriel Jesus heading home after Mark Flekken had parried Thomas Partey’s first-time effort.
Some poor Brentford defending at a corner allowed Mikel Merino to put Arsenal in the lead on 50 minutes, and victory was sealed three minutes through Gabriel Martinelli’s goal. Young Ethan Nwaneri impressed for the Gunners in his first league start.
Despite having more possession, Brentford had just 1 shot in the second half as Mikel Arteta’s side comfortably came away with all three points.
