LONDON, Jan 2, (V7N)- Arsenal edged closer to Premier League leaders Liverpool with a spirited 3-1 triumph over Brentford on Wednesday, as Gabriel Jesus continued his impressive resurgence by netting his sixth goal in four games.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal entered the Gtech Community Stadium with determination, despite being taken aback by Bryan Mbeumo’s early goal for Brentford in the first half. The goal, scored in the 13th minute, saw Brentford seize a temporary advantage in a wet and windy west London evening.

However, Arsenal demonstrated resilience as Jesus equalised before halftime, showcasing his newfound form after a slow start to the season. The Brazilian forward’s goal marked a significant turnaround, considering he had only scored once in his first 20 matches this season.

Following the break, Arsenal surged back into contention with Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli finding the back of the net in quick succession. Merino’s second goal, his first since transferring from Real Sociedad, dismantled Brentford’s resistance, while Martinelli sealed the win with a deft finish three minutes later. Additionally, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made a notable impact, starting his first league match for Arsenal and contributing to the offensive momentum.

Despite missing key players Bukayo Saka, sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Kai Havertz, who was absent after scoring the winner against Ipswich, Arsenal’s depth shone through. Gabriel Jesus ensured Havertz’s absence was felt less by maintaining offensive pressure and contributing crucial goals.

Mikel Arteta praised his team’s composure and clinical finishing in challenging conditions.

“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,” Arteta said. “Especially when you go a goal down early in the game it becomes a mountain to climb, but we remained patient. We had to manage the situation emotionally. We were very clinical in the box. Jesus's form is very important.”

Excluding their commanding 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Arsenal had struggled in their last four league outings, securing only two draws against Fulham and Everton and a narrow win over Ipswich. This latest victory not only boosts their position to second place above Nottingham Forest but also reaffirms their capability to challenge Liverpool for the title, despite the Merseyside side having a game in hand.

Arsenal remains unbeaten in 12 games across all competitions, embarking on a revitalizing run that includes four consecutive wins. Arteta remains cautious about the title race, emphasizing the importance of upcoming matches.

“We can only win our next match and see what happens. It’s not in our hands,” Arteta stated regarding their pursuit of Liverpool.

Arsenal fans celebrated the narrowing of the gap on the league leaders, buoyed by the team’s recent form and Gabriel Jesus’s pivotal performances. Despite early setbacks, the team’s ability to bounce back and secure crucial goals has reignited hopes of ending the two-year title drought.

David Raya, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, returned to Brentford for the first time since leaving the club in 2023. He faced taunts from Brentford supporters, who relished in his earlier misjudgements that led to Brentford’s initial goal. However, Raya nearly conceded a second goal when he mishandled Mbeumo’s shot, only managing to claw it away mere centimeters before it crossed the line.

With the Australian Open set to begin on January 12, Arsenal is keen to maintain their momentum into the new year. The team’s performance in the Auckland Classic and the subsequent Premier League fixtures will be crucial in determining their standing in the race for the title.

As Arsenal continues to build on their recent successes, the focus remains on sustaining their form and securing vital points to challenge for the top spot in the highly competitive Premier League.

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