Goodbye!published at 20:20 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
So, Arsenal make a winning start to 2025 while Thomas Frank has a few issues to tend to with his Brentford side.
The Premier League returns on Saturday with seven matches.
See you then!
Summary
Arsenal come from behind to beat Brentford in Premier League
Gunners back up to second in table, six points behind leaders Liverpool
Martinelli, Merino & Jesus score after Mbeumo opener for Bees
Goodbye!published at 20:20 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
Postpublished at 20:18 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Have a read of the report from the Gtech Community Stadium here.
Youngster Ethan Nwaneri shines as leaky Brentford limp to another home loss.
A very Happy New Year for the Gunners.
As it standspublished at 20:15 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
And here's how things stand after the first game of 2025.
Arsenal are up to second in the Premier League and six points off Liverpool.
Nwaneri 'a really exciting prospect for Arsenal'published at 20:13 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Martin Keown
Former England defender on TNT SportsEthan Nwaneri is definitely going to get those chances with Bukayo Saka not being available.
It's all there under the bonnet waiting to come out.
This is a really exciting prospect for Arsenal. Another kid out of the academy.
It's really important that you have those players in the group demonstrating the quality coming through the academy.
'You need to play a perfect game against Arsenal'published at 20:11 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Brentford manager Thomas Frank speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "You need to play a perfect game against Arsenal, one of the two best teams in the league, probably in the world. I thought actually we were close to perfect in the first half, I loved the way we played.
"I'm pleased with the performance, especially the first half, and also I thought the second half was not too bad - we just conceded two goals.
"I think the overall performance was good, maybe very good, but the big moments we didn't take them well enough today - especially the three defensive moments.
On injuries: "Of course I would love to have a full squad, but I haven't so we'll find solutions for that. We'll deal with it. The medical department is working extremely hard so we'll find a way."
On Arsenal's title challenge: "It's a long season. I understand why Arne Slot is saying 'we haven't won anything yet'. Liverpool haven't had a dip yet and that will most likely come, and Arsenal are picking up points when they're not fully firing. It will go right to the end."
'We can only do what is on our hands'published at 20:08 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports: "We won in a difficult stadium, against a good opponent.
"The record they have here is incredible and when you go 1-0 down it makes it even harder.
"We have to navigate through some difficult moments.
"We started really fast and aggressive and again adapting. We had some injuries and sickness and we had to play some different players."
On Gabriel Jesus' form and different goalscorers: "Very important. Today Martinelli scored and Mikel scored from a set-piece.
"In the last calendar year you see who has scored for us and that's our strength.
On Ethan Nwaneri: "Really good. In training he gave us all the right reasons. He is an academy player and he needs to play because he deserves it."
On the title race: "We can only do what is on our hands. The rest is nothing to do with us."
On January transfer window: "At the moment it is looking after the players and get the best out of them. At the moment our focus is our players.
"I really like my players and I believe in what we have as there's a lot of quality and commitment."
'Nwaneri was outstanding'published at 20:06 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Karen Carney
Former England midfielder on TNT SportsEthan Nwaneri just makes me smile. He's brave, he's bold.
For someone so young as well, he jinks and drops a shoulder.
For a young man, I thought he was outstanding, he was positive and he was just a joy to watch.
He will be an absolute player for Arsenal.
'We had to manage the situation emotionally'published at 20:04 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It's a big win. They're a really good side, very well coached and they've been exceptional at home.
"Especially when you go a goal down early in the game it becomes a mountain to climb, but the team remained patient. We had to manage the situation emotionally.
On their second-half display: "We started really well, we took advantage of that and we were very clinical in the box. We probably had to step back a little bit but we looked OK."
On the title race: "We can only win our next match and see what happens. It's not in our hands, but what is in our hands we need to make sure we do it."
'Arsenal have got to keep winning their matches'published at 20:02 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Martin Keown
Former England defender on TNT SportsBoth of those players [Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli] do a lot of unforeseen work but the cutting edge is scoring the goals at the vital moments.
They've done that tonight, another game at the weekend guys.
You don't live off that for long, if you want to be champions, you get back and you get on with the job.
Arsenal flew out of the blocks in the second half and they stepped it up. They've just got to keep doing their job and winning their matches.
'We were brave under high pressure'published at 19:59 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Image source, Getty ImagesBrentford boss Thomas Frank, speaking to TNT Sports: "I think we did a lot of things right and overall it was a good performance. First half was extremely good and I liked the way we played - we were brave on the ball.
"We were brave under high pressure as well and overall I think we did well. The finest of margins we have to do better.
"We need to do better than one more goal. If you want to beat Arsenal we need to do everything right."
On Arsenal's set-piece threat: "I need to look more into it, but they are very good at it and it's something we need to learn from."
On the loss at home: "I think today we played a top team and you cannot expect to just beat Arsenal, but we did very well and that's the performance.
"Nottingham Forest was bit different I would have loved to have more from that game."
On Bryan Mbuemo possibly leaving Brentford: "Bryan Mbuemo was really good and I was really pleased with that.
"For me he shouldn't be a problem to hold."
'Martinelli has to step up'published at 19:56 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Karen Carney
Former England midfielder on TNT SportsI've said that Arsenal need to go and get another left winger and a lot of people might say that's pretty harsh on Gabriel Martinelli but he might be 23 but he has also played 145 times in the Premier League.
For me now, this is your time, you've got to step up and particularly with Bukayo Saka out and tonight he has but you have to keep doing that.
He's experienced. He has to be the guy that creates a goal or scores a goal and he has done that today and he's got to keep doing that.
If he doesn't, I think Arsenal will have to say 'look, we've got Saka on the right when he comes back fit, he's our star guy. We've got to have someone else on the other side that gives us the same output because we want to win the Premier League. Second and second is not good enough for us.'
As much as that is harsh on me saying that, to get to that level, you've got to have more output and he can and he needs that push.
'Jesus and Martinelli need to score more goals'published at 19:53 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Martin Keown
Former England defender on TNT Sports
Image source, Getty ImagesGabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli needed to answer a few questions tonight and they need to score goals.
It was a really important goal for Martinelli, the floodgates may open for him now.
He needs to score more goals, he needs to keep answering those questions, as does Jesus.
No [Kai] Havertz in the group tonight so it was really important that they stood up.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 19:49 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
It might sound strange but I’d much rather be in Arsenal’s position than Liverpool’s. Yes, they may win the league this year but they’re soon going to have to rebuild the spine of their whole team. Whereas Arsenal have a young team and with a couple of additions they could dominate for years.
Mike
'Brentford didn't have any answers'published at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Andy Reid
Ex-Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 LiveArsenal have done what they had to do and it's not an easy place to come, but they're professional.
The organisation was good and they've got quality players who had key moments in the game.
Brentford didn't really have any answers.
Postpublished at 19:44 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Image source, PA MediaBack-to-back defeats at home for Brentford. They are also the only side yet to keep a clean sheet at home in the Premier League this season.
Indeed, the Bees have gone 11 successive home league matches without a shutout for the first time since October 2007 (13).
Since the start of last season, Brentford have lost 47 points from winning positions in the Premier League (30 last season, 17 this), at least 10 more than any other side.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 19:41 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Although Ethan Nwaneri played well, Arsenal missed the skill and thrust of Saka, particularly in the first half. They are now on Liverpool's heels, and must take advantage, when Liverpool falter.
Brendan, Kansas City
'No-one can replace Saka'published at 19:39 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, speaking to TNT Sports: "The support that they [fans] give us is amazing - I want to say thank you to them."
On Bukayo Saka: "No-one can replace him. He is one of the best players in the world. We trust in ourselves and we will try our best for the club."
'It's not easy to play for a big club like Arsenal'published at 19:36 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Image source, ReutersArsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, speaking to TNT Sports: "I think the team did great today.
"To come here and play the way we played is amazing. Of course, the most important thing is the three points and we did it, but then the most important thing was how we reacted and we did it."
"I keep working and everyone at the club can tell how I work every day, not just me but everyone. I don't give up and it is not easy to play for a big club like Arsenal.
"Now I can score and I am very happy - I want to keep scoring to help the team.
On Arsenal being title contenders: "Yes for sure the previous two years was amazing. We didn't win the league, but we were there fighting."
Do Arsenal really need a striker?published at 19:32 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has scored in three of his last four Premier League away appearances (3 goals), more than his previous 26 on the road in the competition beforehand (2 goals).
Gabriel Jesus has scored six goals in his last four Arsenal appearances in all competitions – as many as his previous 48 beforehand.
'Arsenal still alive and kicking in title race'published at 19:29 Greenwich Mean Time 1 January
FT: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
Martin Keown
Former England defender on TNT SportsArsenal picked up the intensity, that is a strong signal from the team.
They are alive and kicking, still alive in this title race.
In the second half, they showed their class. It was really important for them to win tonight and get the job done.
Gabriel Martinelli celebrated with a scarf thrown by the away fans after putting Arsenal 3-1 up at Brentford
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 due to illness 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 three 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.
- Published2 days ago
Nwaneri shines as Raya has bumpy homecoming
Arsenal were 'patient' and 'rewarded with big win' - Arteta
While they did eventually hit their stride, Arsenal looked nervous at times - none more so than goalkeeper Raya.
Playing at the Community Stadium for the first time since leaving for Arsenal in 2023, Raya should have done better for the opening goal as he left too much space at his near post and was slow to dive.
He gave the ball away numerous times in the early stages, then nearly conceded an even more calamitous goal.
On 28 minutes, he allowed another Mbeumo shot to squirm through his fingers and had to acrobatically dive back to claw the ball off the line.
Barely a minute later, Jesus equalised. Such are the tight margins in the Premier League.
And when margins are tight, set pieces can make all the difference. Arsenal, coached by Nicolas Jover, have relied on set plays at key moments all season and their goal from a corner five minutes after half-time proved the turning point.
The corner was taken by Nwaneri, who also provided the cross which eventually led to Arsenal's third. While some senior Gunners struggled, their youngest player seemed nerveless and provided the moments of quality needed to keep their title drive motoring.
Leaky Brentford limp to another home loss
Brentford played close-to-perfect first half - Frank
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.
The Bees are the only team yet to keep a home clean sheet in the Premier 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.
Player of the match
Number: 53 E. Nwaneri
Average rating 8.52
Number: 19 B. Mbeumo
Average Rating: 6.12Number: 24 M. Damsgaard
Average Rating: 5.48Number: 22 N. Collins
Average Rating: 5.20Number: 11 Y. Wissa
Average Rating: 5.07Number: 6 C. Nørgaard
Average Rating: 5.05Number: 23 K. Lewis-Potter
Average Rating: 4.92Number: 18 Y. Yarmoliuk
Average Rating: 4.87Number: 1 M. Flekken
Average Rating: 4.81Number: 27 V. Janelt
Average Rating: 4.80Number: 4 S. van den Berg
Average Rating: 4.79Number: 30 M. Roerslev
Average Rating: 4.78Number: 8 M. Jensen
Average Rating: 4.67Number: 36 Kim Ji-Soo
Average Rating: 4.48Number: 7 K. Schade
Average Rating: 4.45Number: 32 P. Maghoma
Average Rating: 4.39Number: 53 E. Nwaneri
Average Rating: 8.52Number: 9 Gabriel Jesus
Average Rating: 7.76Number: 11 Gabriel Martinelli
Average Rating: 7.58Number: 5 T. Partey
Average Rating: 7.42Number: 2 W. Saliba
Average Rating: 7.33Number: 23 Mikel Merino
Average Rating: 7.27Number: 6 Gabriel Magalhães
Average Rating: 7.17Number: 8 M. Ødegaard
Average Rating: 7.12Number: 12 J. Timber
Average Rating: 7.12Number: 49 M. Lewis-Skelly
Average Rating: 6.61Number: 33 R. Calafiori
Average Rating: 6.59Number: 22 David Raya
Average Rating: 6.58Number: 19 L. Trossard
Average Rating: 6.51Number: 20 Jorginho
Average Rating: 6.49Number: 41 D. Rice
Average Rating: 6.48Number: 17 O. Zinchenko
Average Rating: 5.95After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
Premier League Scores & Fixtures
Premier League Table
On Wednesday 1st January
Skip to table keyMatch Participants:
- Arsenal, Position 2, Points 39
- Brentford, Position 12, Points 24
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 45 | 17 | 28 | 45 |
| |
| 2 | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 38 | 17 | 21 | 39 |
| |
| 3 | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 19 | 7 | 37 |
| |
| 4 | 19 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 38 | 23 | 15 | 35 |
| |
| 5 | 19 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 32 | 21 | 11 | 32 |
| |
| 6 | 19 | 9 | 4 | 6 | 32 | 26 | 6 | 31 |
| |
| 7 | 19 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 23 | 6 | 30 |
| |
| 8 | 19 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 28 | 25 | 3 | 29 |
| |
| 9 | 19 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 31 | -3 | 29 |
| |
| 10 | 19 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 29 | 28 | 1 | 27 |
| |
| 11 | 19 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 41 | 28 | 13 | 24 |
| |
| 12 | 19 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 33 | 35 | -2 | 24 |
| |
| 13 | 19 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 23 | 35 | -12 | 23 |
| |
| 14 | 19 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 21 | 26 | -5 | 22 |
| |
| 15 | 19 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 20 |
| |
| 16 | 18 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 24 | -9 | 17 |
| |
| 17 | 19 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 31 | 42 | -11 | 16 |
| |
| 18 | 19 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 33 | -15 | 15 |
| |
| 19 | 19 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 22 | 42 | -20 | 14 |
| |
| 20 | 19 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 39 | -27 | 6 |
|
Key
- Position 1 - 4 : UEFA Champions League
- Position 5 : UEFA Europa League
- Position 18 - 20 : Relegation
Team Lineups
home team, Brentford
Manager: Thomas Frank
Formation: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2
Pitch Formation
1, Flekken, Goalkeeper
30, Roerslev, Defender
22, Collins, Defender
4, van den Berg, Defender
23, Lewis-Potter, Defender
27, Janelt, Defensive Midfielder
6, Nørgaard, Defensive Midfielder
18, Yarmoliuk, Defensive Midfielder
24, Damsgaard, Attacking Midfielder
19, Mbeumo, Striker
11, Wissa, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, M. Flekken
- Number 23, K. Lewis-Potter
- Number 4, S. van den Berg , substituted for Kim Ji-Soo at 75 minutes
- Number 22, N. Collins
- Number 30, M. Roerslev
- Number 18, Y. Yarmoliuk
- Number 6, C. Nørgaard , Captain, Yellow Card at 26 minutes, substituted for M. Jensen at 75 minutes
- Number 27, V. Janelt
- Number 24, M. Damsgaard , substituted for P. Maghoma at 75 minutes
- Number 11, Y. Wissa , substituted for K. Schade at 75 minutes
- Number 19, B. Mbeumo
Substitutes
home team, Brentford
- Number 43, B. Arthur
- Number 8, M. Jensen
- Number 36, Kim Ji-Soo
- Number 26, Y. Konak
- Number 32, P. Maghoma
- Number 21, J. Meghoma
- Number 7, K. Schade
- Number 12, H. Valdimarsson
- Number 42, T. Yogane
away team, Arsenal
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Pitch Formation
22, Raya, Goalkeeper
12, Jurriën Timber, Defender
2, Saliba, Defender
6, Gabriel Magalhães, Defender
33, Calafiori, Defender
8, Ødegaard, Midfielder
5, Partey, Midfielder
23, Merino, Midfielder
53, Nwaneri, Striker
9, Gabriel Jesus, Striker
11, Gabriel Martinelli, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 22, David Raya
- Number 33, R. Calafiori , Yellow Card at 57 minutes, substituted for M. Lewis-Skelly at 78 minutes
- Number 6, Gabriel Magalhães
- Number 2, W. Saliba
- Number 12, J. Timber , Yellow Card at 17 minutes
- Number 23, Mikel Merino , substituted for D. Rice at 78 minutes
- Number 5, T. Partey
- Number 8, M. Ødegaard , Captain, substituted for Jorginho at 88 minutes
- Number 11, Gabriel Martinelli
- Number 9, Gabriel Jesus , substituted for O. Zinchenko at 91 minutes
- Number 53, E. Nwaneri , substituted for L. Trossard at 78 minutes
away team, Arsenal
- Number 20, Jorginho
- Number 46, I. Kabia
- Number 15, J. Kiwior
- Number 49, M. Lewis-Skelly
- Number 32, Neto
- Number 41, D. Rice
- Number 3, K. Tierney
- Number 19, L. Trossard
- Number 17, O. Zinchenko
home team, Brentford
Manager: Thomas Frank
Formation: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2
Pitch Formation
1, Flekken, Goalkeeper
30, Roerslev, Defender
22, Collins, Defender
4, van den Berg, Defender
23, Lewis-Potter, Defender
27, Janelt, Defensive Midfielder
6, Nørgaard, Defensive Midfielder
18, Yarmoliuk, Defensive Midfielder
24, Damsgaard, Attacking Midfielder
19, Mbeumo, Striker
11, Wissa, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, M. Flekken
- Number 23, K. Lewis-Potter
- Number 4, S. van den Berg , substituted for Kim Ji-Soo at 75 minutes
- Number 22, N. Collins
- Number 30, M. Roerslev
- Number 18, Y. Yarmoliuk
- Number 6, C. Nørgaard , Captain, Yellow Card at 26 minutes, substituted for M. Jensen at 75 minutes
- Number 27, V. Janelt
- Number 24, M. Damsgaard , substituted for P. Maghoma at 75 minutes
- Number 11, Y. Wissa , substituted for K. Schade at 75 minutes
- Number 19, B. Mbeumo
Substitutes
- Number 43, B. Arthur
- Number 8, M. Jensen
- Number 36, Kim Ji-Soo
- Number 26, Y. Konak
- Number 32, P. Maghoma
- Number 21, J. Meghoma
- Number 7, K. Schade
- Number 12, H. Valdimarsson
- Number 42, T. Yogane
away team, Arsenal
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Pitch Formation
22, Raya, Goalkeeper
12, Jurriën Timber, Defender
2, Saliba, Defender
6, Gabriel Magalhães, Defender
33, Calafiori, Defender
8, Ødegaard, Midfielder
5, Partey, Midfielder
23, Merino, Midfielder
53, Nwaneri, Striker
9, Gabriel Jesus, Striker
11, Gabriel Martinelli, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 22, David Raya
- Number 33, R. Calafiori , Yellow Card at 57 minutes, substituted for M. Lewis-Skelly at 78 minutes
- Number 6, Gabriel Magalhães
- Number 2, W. Saliba
- Number 12, J. Timber , Yellow Card at 17 minutes
- Number 23, Mikel Merino , substituted for D. Rice at 78 minutes
- Number 5, T. Partey
- Number 8, M. Ødegaard , Captain, substituted for Jorginho at 88 minutes
- Number 11, Gabriel Martinelli
- Number 9, Gabriel Jesus , substituted for O. Zinchenko at 91 minutes
- Number 53, E. Nwaneri , substituted for L. Trossard at 78 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 20, Jorginho
- Number 46, I. Kabia
- Number 15, J. Kiwior
- Number 49, M. Lewis-Skelly
- Number 32, Neto
- Number 41, D. Rice
- Number 3, K. Tierney
- Number 19, L. Trossard
- Number 17, O. Zinchenko
- Referee:
- Peter Bankes
- Video Assistant Referee:
- Graham Scott
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Edward Smart
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Nick Greenhalgh
- Fourth Official:
- Thomas Bramall
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Neil Davies
Match Officials
Match Stats
Key, Brentford v ArsenalOverall possession
Shots
Brentford 5Arsenal 14Shots on target
Brentford 2Arsenal 5Total touches in the box
Brentford 10Arsenal 47Goalkeeper saves
Brentford 1Arsenal 1Fouls
Brentford 6Arsenal 8Corners
Brentford 4Arsenal 3
Season so far
Premier League
Key, Brentford v Arsenal
League position, Brentford 12th, Arsenal 2ndTotal points, Brentford 24, Arsenal 39
Goals scored
Brentford 33Arsenal 38Form guide
All competitions
Brentford draw
v Brighton & Hove Albion
0
0
Premier League
Arsenal won
v Ipswich Town
1
0
Premier League
Brentford lose
v Nottingham Forest
0
2
Premier League
Arsenal won
v Crystal Palace
1
5
Premier League
Brentford lose
v Newcastle United
3
1
League Cup
Arsenal won
v Crystal Palace
3
2
League Cup
Brentford lose
v Chelsea
2
1
Premier League
Arsenal draw
v Everton
0
0
Premier League
Brentford won
v Newcastle United
4
2
Premier League
Arsenal won
v Monaco
3
0
UEFA Champions League
Previous meetings
All competitions
Brentford and ArsenalBrentford Won 6Arsenal Won 8Draw 4
Played
18
Previous scores
All competitions
Premier League
Arsenal 2 , Brentford 1 on the 9th of March 2024
Arsenal
Brentford
9th of March 2024
Brentford 0 , Arsenal 1 on the 25th of November 2023
Brentford
Arsenal
25th of November 2023
League Cup
Brentford 0 , Arsenal 1 on the 27th of September 2023
Brentford
Arsenal
27th of September 2023
- Skip back to previous scores
- Skip back to previous meetings
- Skip back to form guide
- Skip back to season so far
Match Facts
Since winning 2-0 against Arsenal in their first ever Premier League game in August 2021, Brentford are winless in their last five against the Gunners (D1 L4).
Arsenal have won their last three away games against Brentford in all competitions without conceding a single goal. They last won four consecutive away games against an opponent while keeping a clean sheet each time against Sunderland between 2003 and 2008.
In a run stretching back to a 1-1 draw at Chelsea in November, this is Arsenal’s ninth consecutive league game to be played in London (5 home, 4 away). It’s the Gunners’ longest such run of league games exclusively in the capital in their league history.
Brentford have won their first league game in each of the last five calendar years. They’re also unbeaten in their last six played on New Year’s Day (W4 D2) since a 2-0 loss at Swansea in 2007.
Arsenal have only lost their first league game in one of the last nine calendar years (W6 D2), going down 2-1 at home to Man City on New Year’s Day 2022.
Arsenal remained unbeaten in all 10 of their Premier League London derby matches in 2024 (W8 D2). They scored 5+ goals in five of those 10 matches, as many times as they had in their previous 117 such games.
Having been unbeaten in 14 Premier League London derbies between October 2022 and November 2023 (W8 D6), Brentford have now won just one of their last 12 in the competition (D3 L8).
Coming into this round of matches, Brentford are one of two sides yet to keep a clean sheet at home in the Premier League this season, along with Ipswich. Their 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out was both their first loss and the first time they’ve failed to score at the Gtech Community Stadium this term.
Arsenal haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last seven Premier League away games, having recorded nine shutouts in their previous 10 on the road.
Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been involved in 14 goals in his last 15 Premier League London derby matches (12 goals, 2 assists), while Arsenal’s Kai Havertz has had a hand in eight goals in his last eight such games in the competition (6 goals, 2 assists).