Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel Jesus cannot stop scoring but Martin Odegaard has rare off day against Brentford
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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. But in-form Gabriel Jesus hit back before the break to equalise with a headed effort from close range.
![[Arsenal moved up to second in the table with a 3-1 win over Brentford]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gabriel-martinelli-arsenal-celebrates-riccardo-960957980.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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.
![[Mikel Merino scored his second Premier League goal for Arsenal]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mikel-merino-arsenal-celebrates-scoring-960956272.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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. 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.
![[Martinelli made it three for the Gunners with a great strike into the top corner]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-gabriel-martinelli-arsenal-scores-960957347.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Shaky with ball at feet too. Not the best West London return. 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. Remained a calming presence when Arsenal struggled to create in the opening stages.
![[Gabriel Jesus got the Gunners back on level terms in the first half]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gabriel-jesus-arsenal-scores-1st-960951904.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A rock at the back defending set-pieces and aerial deliveries into his box. Should have done better to stop Mbeumo cutting inside for his opener. Far too easy. Composed on the ball and with some neat and important interceptions. His curled shot paved the way for the equaliser.
