Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel Jesus cannot stop scoring but Martin Odegaard has rare off day against Brentford
ARSENAL returned to second in the Premier League table with a hard-fought win away at Brentford to kick off the new year on a high.
The Gunners found themselves a goal down in the opening stages following a Bryan Mbeumo strike.
But in-form Gabriel Jesus hit back before the break to equalise with a headed effort from close range.
Arsenal were the quickest out of the blocks after half-time, with Mikel Merino firing his team in front for the first time in the match.
And Gabriel Martinelli extended the advantage with a fantastic strike into the top-right corner just three minutes later.
The Gtech Community Stadium has been a tough place to visit for many travelling teams this season, so Mikel Arteta and Co will be very happy with the result.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the performance.
DAVID RAYA – 6
Beaten at his near post by Mbeumo but not helped by slack defending. Almost doubled Brentford’s lead by fumbling a routine shot and forced to scramble back and clear off his own line.
Shaky with ball at feet too. Not the best West London return.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6
Lucky to escape further punishment after a clumsy first half lunge earned him only a yellow. Worked hard down the right but could not give Nwaneri the support he needed.
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WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Remained a calming presence when Arsenal struggled to create in the opening stages.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7
A rock at the back defending set-pieces and aerial deliveries into his box.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
Should have done better to stop Mbeumo cutting inside for his opener. Far too easy.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Composed on the ball and with some neat and important interceptions. His curled shot paved the way for the equaliser.
MIKEL MERINO – 7
Won some important duels as Arsenal pinned Brentford back early on. Clinical in the box to put his side ahead after a goalmouth scramble.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6
Lost the ball in midfield before Brentford took the lead. A rare quiet outing. Lucky that others around him stepped up.
ETHAN NWANERI – 7
Struggled to have any real impact in open play, given the impossible job of replicating what Saka does out on the right wing.
However, two deliveries into the box brought about two goals to secure the three points.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8
Lively with little end product in the first half. That all changed after the break with a sweet volley to kill Brentford’s comeback hopes. Was a constant threat.
GABRIEL JESUS – 8
He just cannot stop scoring. His instincts in the box look to be back to the levels he produced at Manchester City.
SUBSTITUTES
LEANDRO TROSSARD (NWANERI, 78) – 6
Made a few good runs in behind but that was about it.
DECLAN RICE (MERINO, 78) – 6
Solidified the midfield. Played almost as a roaming No.10 when Odegaard went off.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (CALAFIORI, 78) – 6
So comfortable on the ball. Practically played as a left winger at times.