EPL: Arsenal Move Within Six Points of Liverpool After Beating Brentford

Arsenal maintained their Premier League title challenge with a 3-1 win at Brentford, moving within six points of leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal maintained their pursuit of the Premier League title with a convincing 3-1 victory over Brentford, preserving their 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. This triumph ensures Arsenal remain hot on the heels of league leaders Liverpool.

The match got off to an unexpected start, as Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo scored a stunning goal in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a rare opportunity despite Arsenal's dominance in possession. However, the Gunners' resilience ultimately paid off as they staged a successful comeback to claim all three points.

Bryan Mbeumo expertly cut inside from the right wing and slotted the ball past David Raya at the near post, following a brilliant midfield interception by Mikkel Damsgaard. Notably, this goal marked the eighth occasion this season that Brentford scored with their first shot in a Premier League match, a feat unmatched by any other team in the division.

Brentford narrowly missed a chance to extend their lead when goalkeeper David Raya nearly committed a costly error. Raya spilled a seemingly harmless shot from Keane Lewis-Potter, but fortunately managed to recover the ball and avert disaster.

The momentum soon shifted in Arsenal's favor as they equalized through Gabriel Jesus. Thomas Partey's initial effort was parried by Mark Flekken, but Jesus was on hand to nod in the rebound, scoring his sixth goal in four appearances.

Arsenal completed their comeback in the 49th minute, exploiting Brentford's vulnerability at set pieces. Ethan Nwaneri's corner caused chaos in the box, and Mikel Merino seized the opportunity to slam home the loose ball, handing Arsenal a 2-1 lead.

Arsenal further solidified their lead in the 53rd minute, with Ethan Nwaneri once again playing a pivotal role. The 17-year-old's cross was headed by Nathan Collins into the path of Gabriel Martinelli, who clinically dispatched the ball past Mark Flekken to make it 3-1.

As the second half progressed, Brentford struggled to regain the intensity that had characterized their first-half performance. In contrast, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side assumed control, dictating the pace of the game against a subdued backdrop at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Arsenal comfortably navigated the closing stages, ultimately securing a 3-1 victory that propels them within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Notably, the Gunners have played one more game than Liverpool, adding significance to their hard-fought win at Brentford.

Brentford's frustration with Arsenal continues to grow, as they suffered their fourth straight home defeat at the hands of their London rivals.