LONDON: Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League (EPL) leaders Liverpool to six points as Gabriel Jesus continued his solid form in a 3-1 win at Brentford earlier this morning.
Mikel Arteta’s men were shocked with a first-half goal in the 13th minute through Bryan Mbeumo at the GTech Community Stadium.
But Arsenal were reluctant to be beaten in rainy and windy weather in west London when Jesus equalized in the 29th minute.
It was the Brazilian forward’s sixth goal in his last four games after he only netted once in his first 20 games this season.
Mikel Merino (50th minute) and Gabriel Martinelli (53rd minute) struck in a short time after the break to ensure Arsenal moved up to second place ahead of Nottingham Forest.
“We won in a difficult stadium against a good opponent. Their record here is extraordinary and if you are 1-0 down it makes things even more difficult,” said Arteta.
“Especially if you are one goal behind in this match it is like a mountain that needs to be climbed, but we remain patient.
“We needed to handle the situation emotionally. We were very clinical in the penalty box. Jesus’ performance was very important.”
Barring a 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace, the Gunners have been unimpressive in their last four league games after draws with Fulham and Everton followed by a narrow win over lowly Ipswich.
But Arsenal’s first match in 2025 proves they are ready to compete for the championship with Liverpool, who are one match less than the north London club.
Runners-up to Manchester City for the last two seasons, Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, a revival that now includes four straight wins.
“We can win our next game and see what happens. It’s not on our shoulders,” Arteta said of Liverpool’s pursuit.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined for several months due to a hamstring injury, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first league appearance for Arsenal.
Kai Havertz was not in action after scoring Arsenal’s winner against Ipswich but Jesus ensured the German’s absence was not felt.
Arsenal have lost none of their 10 league games against neighbors London in 2024 and they maintained their brilliant record in the capital after surviving an early blow.