LONDON, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Arsenal demonstrated their resilience and ambition in the Premier League by defeating Brentford 3-1 away from home, closing the gap on league leaders Liverpool. This match marked an impressive start to the year for Mikel Arteta's side, especially in the absence of their star player, Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined for at least two months due to hamstring surgery. Despite trailing early in the game to a goal from Bryan Mbeumo, Arsenal rallied to secure all three points.

Brentford initially took control of the match, capitalizing on a defensive lapse and seizing the lead with Mbeumo's 13th-minute strike. However, Arsenal maintained composure, and Gabriel Jesus scored a crucial equalizer just before halftime after capitalizing on a rebound. This marked Jesus' sixth goal in just four games, a significant turnaround for the forward who had struggled earlier in the season.

Arsenal's momentum carried into the second half as Mikel Merino scored shortly after the restart, finding the net from a chaotic set-piece situation. Just minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli struck a stunning volley to cement the lead, demonstrating Arsenal's capability in overcoming adversity and controlling the match.

With this victory, Arsenal climbed to second place in the Premier League standings, now with 39 points from 19 games, compared to Liverpool's 45 points from 18 games. A defeat would have left Arsenal nine points adrift of Liverpool, but their relentless determination underlined their ambitions for the season.

Arteta expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their composure and attacking intent, saying, "I think the team showed a lot of composure. To keep insisting, keep attacking them." The Gunners remain unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions, showcasing their depth and talent even in trying circumstances.

Notably, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first Premier League start, stepping up during a crucial time for the team and receiving applause from both his teammates and supporters as he left the pitch. His early contributions and composure hint at a bright future for the young player.

As Arsenal warms up for a busy month of fixtures, including a crucial clash against Brighton, the win over Brentford sends a clear message: they are determined to challenge for the Premier League title this season. [Reuters] [The Guardian]