Gunners fire back with win to stay in touch in title race

Arsenal scored two goals in three second-half minutes to complete a 3-1 comeback victory at Brentford to move back up to second in the Premier League.

- PHILIP DUNCAN

The Gunners were behind after just 13 minutes when Bryan Mbeumo struck for Brentford before David Raya nearly giftwrapped the hosts a second when he allowed Keane LewisPotter’s shot to slip through his grasp. Raya clawed the ball off his own line and one minute later Gabriel Jesus headed Arsenal back on level terms.

Mikel Merino then put the visitors ahead after 50 minutes before Gabriel Martinelli added a third with Ethan Nwaneri – the 17-year-old handed his first Premier League start in place of the injured Bukayo Saka – involved in both goals. The win took Arsenal six points behind Liverpool – having played a game more – and ahead of Nottingham Forest. Brentford remain in 12th.

Mikel Arteta’s men will have the chance to reduce the gap to just three points when they travel to Brighton on Saturday, 24 hours ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United at Anfield. Brentford had won seven of their opening nine matches at home heading into the league’s sole New Year’s Day fixture and they struck the first blow here.