Brentford 1-3 Arsenal - 3 takeaways as Gunners begin new year in style

Arsenal managed a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Brentford as Mikel Arteta's team moved up to second in the league table.

Arsenal began the new year in style after a 3-1 win over Brentford as the Gunners took full advantage of several slip-ups around the league to move upto second.

While things didn't start well, with the visitors getting themselves ahead thanks to Bryan Mbeumo's strike, but just 16 minutes later, the Gunners were level.

Gabriel Jesus was jogging on the spot to head home after Thomas Partey's shot from outside the box stung the palms of Mark Flekken in the Brentford goal as the Gunners went into the break all square.

But it didn't stay that way for long. Just five minutes after the restart, Mikel Merino was on hand to hammer home from close range after a goal-mouth scramble. Just three minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli's goal-scoring form continued as he was on hand to lash his shot home after Ethan Nwaneri's delivery caused a weak clearance. The Brazilian was on hand to give Arsenal a two-goal lead.

It was one the Gunners held onto as they now move to second in the league, just six points behind Liverpool.

Here are three takeaways from Arsenal's 3-1 win over Brentford.

Brazilian beauty

Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are filling their boots. It was only a few weeks ago that many were wondering where the pair stood in Arteta's plans with both struggling badly for form.

Oh how the times change.

Fast forward a few weeks and Jesus has scored seven goals in his last five games in all competitions, while Martinelli has now scored twice in his last three league games.

The Brazilian pair are doing the heavy lifting right now and it's good for the soul.

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