Arsenal began the New Year with a 3-1 win at the G-Tech Community Stadium with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino & Gabriel Martinelli. The win over Brentford put Arsenal within 6 points of table toppers Liverpool.

Arteta gave Ethan Nwaneri his first Premier League start. In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the teenager deputized and put in a good shift. Riccardo Calafiori started at left back in place of MLS. Rice was benched with Merino partnering with Partey in the middle.

It was Brentford who opened scoring despite being on the backfoot. Odegaard’s pass was intercepted and with a couple of passes and touches, Bryan Mbeumo’s shot went beyond Calafiori and David Raya in the 13th minute. Raya made a great save to prevent a second goal from the home side.

By the 26th minute, the Gunners equalized. A loose ball fell to Thomas Partery whose shot was parried by Mark Flekken. Gabriel Jesus reacted quickest to head in the equalizer for his 6th goal in 4 matsches.

5 minutes after the second half restart, Arsenal went ahead from a corner kick. Nwaneri’s corner wasn’t handled or cleared properly; Jesus latched onto the loose ball which for to Merino to send home. Three minutes later, Martinelli made it 3-1 after Nwaneri’s cross was cleared to the Brazilian.

The win takes Arsenal to 2nd on the log. If there were concerns over who would replace Saka in his absence, Ethan Nwaneri’s performance at Brentford may have shown Arteta the way. Havertz missed the game due to a flu. Good to see Gabriel Jesus on the scoresheet again. He took the man of the match award and we hope he stays fit and in form.

No better way for Arsenal to begin the New Year than to start with the Lord – Jesus and Angels Michael (Mikel Merino) & Gabriel (Martinelli). Brighton is next away in the Premier League.