Arsenal go second with impressive comeback win over Brentford

Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli’s strikes shortly after half-time secured a comfortable victory for Arsenal at Brentford which moved them up to second in the table.

The Gunners began with purpose, camped in the Brentford half, but were caught out on the break by Bryan Mbeumo, before Gabriel Jesus brought the scores level with a poacher’s effort.

Ethan Nwaneri, making his first Premier League start, was involved in the two goals in four second-half minutes which decided the game, as Mark Flekken’s inability to deal with a corner presented the chance for Merino, and Martinelli superbly volleyed home after the youngster’s cross was only partially cleared.

The match was never in doubt from this point onwards as the Gunners eased to a victory which lifts them above Nottingham Forest into second position, six points behind Liverpool.

Brentford remain in 12th spot, nine clear of the bottom three.

The confirmation of Bukayo Saka’s lengthy injury could have sapped the life out of many teams, with the Premier League’s most likeable player almost equally important for the morale he fosters around team and supporters, as his immense talent. That Arsenal have reacted with back-to-back victories says something about the spirit nurtured by Mikel Arteta at the club.

In both halves they began purposefully taking control of the game, against a side themselves renowned for fast starts, and put the Bees on the back foot. Frustration could have easily set in after conceding the goal against the run of play and with their inability to make their possession and territorial advantage count before the break.

With key figure Declan Rice on the bench and Kai Havertz out ill, others came to the fore with Nwaneri more than playing his part and Merino scoring a key goal.

The mood could turn if they slip up against holders Manchester United in the FA Cup or to Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final coming up, but it appears Arsenal have the stomach for the fight this year. And though it is hard to see them catching Liverpool, barring the Reds losing their own right-wing wonder, they should at least keep the title chase somewhat honest.

After a good start to his Arsenal career, ill-timed injuries, some form struggles and a lack of starts made his first two-and-a-half years since moving from Manchester City a bit underwhelming.

But at the age of 27, he still has time to put this right and his fox-in-the-box finish suggests that at his best he may remain Arsenal’s most potent spearhead and his all-round game this evening was worthy of praise too.

Brentford: Flekken 5; Roerslev 6, Collins 6, Van den Berg 6, Lewis-Potter 7; Janelt 6, Norgaard 5, Yarmoliuk 6; Mbeumo 7, Damsgaard 7; Wissa 5.

Subs: Jensen 6, Kim 6, Schade 6, Maghoma 6,

Arsenal: Raya 6; Timber 6, Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Calafiori 5; Odegaard 6, Partey 7, Merino 7; Nwaneri 7, Jesus 8*, Martinelli 7.

Subs: Lewis-Skelly 6, Trossard 6, Rice 6, Jorginho, ZInchenko.

13′ GOAL! BRENTFORD (MBEUMO) 1-0 ARSENAL They are so dangerous on the break. Damsgaard plays the ball wide to Mbeumo who turns inside Calafiori and aims a low arrow inside Raya’s near post.

29′ GOAL! BRENTFORD 1-1 ARSENAL (JESUS) Partey’s shot from just outside the box is parried by Flekken and Jesus is so sharp to react first to the rebound and heads the ball home.

50′ GOAL! BRENTFORD 1-2 ARSENAL (MERINO) Nwaneri is on corner duties for Arsenal and his delivery is fantastic putting Flekken under pressure and the ball eventually drops to Merino, who puts it into the net.

53′ GOAL! BRENTFORD 1-3 ARSENAL (MARTINELLI) A fantastic finish from the Brazilian forward after Nwaneri’s cross was only partially cleared by Collins. Martinelli took the ball on his knee before lashing home on the volley.

60′JESUS NOT FAR AWAY… Martinelli races down the left flank on the break and plays in the Brazilian who pokes just wide of the near post.