Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, was impressed with his side’s performance following their 3-1 comeback win over Brentford on New Year’s Day.
The Gunners came into the game needing a win to reduce the deficit to league leaders Liverpool, but they started in disappointing fashion as goalkeeper David Raya was beaten at his near post following good work by Bees forward Bryan Mbeumo.
However, they were level in the 29th minute when Gabriel Jesus headed in from a rebound, following a shot from Thomas Partey which came moments after David Raya had made a goal line save to prevent Brentford from going 2-0 up.
“It’s a big win. They’re a really good side, very well coached and they’ve been exceptional at home.
Especially when you go a goal down early in the game it becomes a mountain to climb, but the team remained patient. We had to manage the situation emotionally”, Arteta said.
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino put the Gunners ahead in the 50th minute after yet another set-piece, before Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli fired in a third after good work from teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri, who was making a first-ever Premier League start.
“We have to navigate through some difficult moments”, he continued.
“We started really fast and aggressive and again adapting. We had some injuries and sickness and we had to play some different players.”
Mikel Arteta’s side will be presented with a chance to reduce the gap between them and Liverpool to just three points, when they tackle Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening, before the Reds face the out-of-form Manchester United on Sunday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
