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      Brentford 1 Arsenal 3: Gunners start 2025 with a bang as Jesus, Merino and Martinelli seal fightback win from 1-0 down

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      AS the Premier League season reached its halfway point, there is a flicker of hope that we might have a contest for the title. Mikel Arteta’s obdurate, steely, resourceful Arsenal claimed a comeback victory at one of the toughest venues this competition has to offer – as goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli completed a perfect festive season for the Gunners. Arsenal mob Gabriel Martinelli after he made it 3-1 early in the second halfCredit: AlamyGabriel Jesus sparked victory with this spectacular equaliserCredit: ReutersJesus is suddenly in lethal form, there was yet another goal from a corner and the 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed a promising first league start as the Arsenal made light of the absence of four first-choice starters.Over 12 days of Christmas football, they have claimed a maximum nine points – the only problem being that runaway leaders Liverpool have done the same.Arsenal trail Arne Slot’s Red men by six points, having played a game more than the leaders. Arteta’s perennial runners-up are hoping for a miraculous collapse from the Anfield club but at least they are showing themselves capable of building a relentless run of their own to keep in contention, just as they did in the opening months of 2024.   READ MORE ON ARSENALBrentford, who have enjoyed so many thrilling wins here at their house of fun in the shadows of the Chiswick flyover, seized an early lead through Bryan Mbeumo’s tenth goal of the season. But Arsenal – rarely pretty, but usually pretty effective – gritted their teeth and dragged it back on a cold, soggy Hounslow day.  With Bukayo Saka a long-term absentee and Kai Havertz struck down by illness, Arteta handed Nwaneri a full league debut at the ground where he’d made his first appearance off the bench as a 15-year-old schoolboy two seasons ago. The Gunners boss made four changes in all – Declan Rice, not fully fit, dropped to the bench in favour of Merino, with Riccardo Calafiori replacing young full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballEthan Nwaneri especially impressed before the breakCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrentford had been wobbly of late – winless in four games, and without a goal in two, having had their outstanding home record dented by a 2-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest on their last outing at the Gtech Stadium. Thomas Frank welcomed back Sepp van den Berg at centre-half, while Yehor Yormoliuk slotted into midfield. Chrissy Teigen in sweary rant at British ‘knbs and tts’ after backlash over mistaking major error after watching Arsenal playAnd the Bees started with a bang, scoring with their first serious effort on goal.Mikkel Damsgaard’s well-weighted through-ball released Mbeumo, who cut inside from the right and drilled in a shot which beat David Raya at his near post. Raya, facing his former club, almost blundered more spectacularly just before the half-hour when he spilled a straightforward Keane Lewis-Potter shot and had to recover with an acrobatic effort to claw it back off from the line, preventing a second Brentford goal by inches. Arsenal were bossing possession but Brentford started the sharper, more purposeful side, winning a succession of 50-50s.Then, just as Arsenal were threatening to subside, they equalised. Thomas Partey lashed a shot from the edge of the area, Mark Flekken pushed it out but Jesus reacted quickest and met the rebound with a diving header. It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in four games – the rest of them all against Crystal Palace – and it was a lifeline the Gunners barely merited. Arteta’s men were buoyed by their goal and pinned Brentford back for the rest of the half.Martinelli fired the Gunners’ clincher on just 53 minutesCredit: GettyMikel Merino put the visitors in front shortly after the breakCredit: GettyBryan Mbeumo slotted Brentford ahead in the 13th minuteCredit: ReutersDamsgaard floored Jesus with what looked like an accidental elbow and VAR found nothing to get excited about. At the start of the second half, Arsenal took a complete stranglehold on proceedings – scoring twice in the space of two minutes, with Nwaneri playing his part in both.The kid had threatened without much end product in the first period but five minutes after the restart, he whipped in a corner, Flekken completely botched his punch, Jesus had a shot blocked and Spanish midfielder Merino pounced to poke home. It was Arsenal’s 25th Premier League goal from a corner since the start of last season – nine more than any other club.Arsenal ratings vs BrentfordARSENAL came from a goal down to triumph 3-1 over Brentford on New Year’s Day.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 6Beaten 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. Shaky with ball at feet too. Not the best West London return.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Lucky 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.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Remained a calming presence when Arsenal struggled to create in the opening stages.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7A rock at the back defending set-pieces and aerial deliveries into his box.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Should have done better to stop Mbeumo cutting inside for his opener. Far too easy.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Composed on the ball and with some neat and important interceptions. His curled shot paved the way for the equaliser.MIKEL MERINO – 7Won some important duels as Arsenal pinned Brentford back early on. Clinical in the box to put his side ahead after a goalmouth scramble.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Lost the ball in midfield before Brentford took the lead. A rare quiet outing. Lucky that others around him stepped up.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Struggled to have any real impact in open play, given the impossible job of replicating what Saka does out on the right wing. However, two deliveries into the box brought about two goals to secure the three points.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Lively with little end product in the first half. That all changed after the break with a sweet volley to kill Brentford’s comeback hopes. Was a constant threat.GABRIEL JESUS – 8He just cannot stop scoring. His instincts in the box look to be back to the levels he produced at Manchester City.SUBSTITUTESLEANDRO TROSSARD (NWANERI, 78) – 6Made a few good runs in behind but that was about it.DECLAN RICE (MERINO, 78) – 6Solidified the midfield. Played almost as a roaming No.10 when Odegaard went off.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (CALAFIORI, 78) – 6So comfortable on the ball. Practically played as a left winger at times.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 88) – N/AOLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (JESUS, 90) – N/A“Set-piece again, ole, ole,” sang the away supporters, although their dead-ball guru Nico Jover – once of Brentford – couldn’t claim much credit for this one.  READ MORE SUN STORIESSoon it was 3-1. Nwaneri curled in a wicked centre which caused chaos, Nathan Collins only able to head out as far as Martinelli who arrowed a shot into the far corner with deadly accuracy.Jesus soon went close to a fourth and Arsenal never looked remotely like letting the hosts back in.  More

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      Premier League cult hero’s son ‘does a David Beckham’ and scores from 60 YARDS for Sheffield Wednesday

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY midfielder Josh Windass stunned fans by scoring from inside his own half against Derby County this afternoon.With the Owls 1-0 up in the 61st minute, Windass received the ball from Michael Smith before unleashing a strike around 60 yards out from goal.Josh Windass scored a 60-yard goal for Sheffield Wednesday against DerbyHis effort flew over the head of Jacob Widell ZetterstromIt landed perfectly in the netHis effort flew over the head of Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who was stranded on the edge of his box, before landing perfectly in the net.The visiting fans behind the goal at Hillsborough were stunned into silence while Windass wheeled away in celebration.Sky Sports Soccer Special presenter Julian Warren said: “That is absolutely extraordinary. What a way to mark your 50th appearance for the club!”He then asked the likes of Paul Merson and Clinton Morrison on the panel: “Better than Beckham?”Read More in FootballMorrison agreed, while Merson simply said: “Unreal.”Fans on social media were also impressed by the incredible feat, with one person writing: “Josh Windass with probably the best goal I’ve ever seen.”Another commented: “What a goal from Josh Windass!”A third said: “Goal of the year.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a fourth wrote: “Josh Windass has just done a Beckham ffs.”The midfielder’s strike resembled a goal scored by England legend David Beckham during his time at Manchester United in the 1990s.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Becks scored from the halfway line against Wimbledon in the Premier League.Windass is the son of former Prem star Dean Windass, who played for the likes of Hull, Bradford, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.The 55-year-old made 104 top-flight appearances in total and many more across the EFL.Sheffield Wednesday went on to win the Championship match 4-2 thanks to goals from Barry Bannan, Djeidi Gassama, Anthony Musaba and Windass. More

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      Arsenal hit with sickness bug before Brentford clash as Mikel Arteta explains squad selection

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      MIKEL ARTETA confirmed several Arsenal stars missed the win over Brentford because of a sickness bug.The Gunners lined up with Declan Rice on the bench while Kai Havertz missed out altogether.Mikel Arteta confirmed a sickness bug in campKai Havertz missed his first game since joining ArsenalCredit: GettyCaptain Martin Odegaard was also rumoured to be struggling with illness but he was fit enough to start. Arteta was asked about the supposed bug ahead of kick-off and he confirmed the rumours were true.The Arsenal boss said: “Kai [Havertz] wasn’t feeling good, a few players were like this.”Hours before the match Havertz’s wife Sophia shared some photos of herself and the German on social media to see in the new year.READ MORE ON ARSENALShe wrote in the caption: “Starting the new year with you again and again and again.”Havertz’s absence was a big blow for Arsenal who were already without Bukayo Saka.The England star tore his hamstring in the win over Crystal Palace and could be out until March.Youngster Ethan Nwaneri started in attack at the same ground where he made history as a 15-year-old more than two years ago, when he became the youngest player to play in the Prem.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta also confirmed Rice is suffering with a niggle – the England midfielder was named on the bench after being taken off in the 1-0 win over Ipswich.Gabriel Jesus deputised for the missing Havertz and made the most of his chance as he headed in an equaliser after Thomas Partey’s shot was saved.Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 yearsThe Brazilian failed to score for ten months before netting a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last month.He followed that up by scoring against the Eagles again before finding the back of the net at the G-tech Community Stadium.The Gunners then went on to win the match after making a fast start to the second half.Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli both found the net within eight minutes of the restart.The victory took Arsenal second, six points behind league leaders Liverpool. More

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      Former Man Utd star sent off for STAMPING on opponent’s stomach in moment of madness during Championship clash

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Hannibal Mejbri sparked outrage as fans demanded a season-long ban over a “disgusting stamp”.The Burnley midfielder saw red after catching Junior Tchamadeu in the STOMACH during a 0-0 Championship draw at home to Stoke.Hannibal Mejbri’s studs clearly caught Stoke’s Junior TchamadeuMejbri followed through, seemingly with no effort to avoid TchamadeuThe Tunisia star, 21, trod on the grounded Potters’ defender – rather than trying to jump over him.And some observers reckon trampling on the tummy of Tchamadeu was a deliberate act.The Stoke ace reacted to Mejbri’s wild loss of control by rolling around on the pitch.But Tchamadeu’s dramatic response didn’t appear to influence referee Gavin Ward – as the whistler had instantly sent Mejbri off.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Rightly so because that is DISGUSTING,” one viewer posted.Another fan went further: “Ban him for the season. Absolutely disgusting.”A third demanded a suspension for a “long time”.One viewer slammed summer signing Mejbri for a “terrible foul” that another fan called “idiocy of the highest order”.Most read in ChampionshipMejbri joined Burnley after three years with UnitedCredit: Willie VassFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, another observer claimed: “It’s not a stamp, he walks on the player intentionally, which is still probably a red card but more stupid and petulant than dangerous or violent.”The draw left Burnley in second place, three points behind Leeds.Nathan Aspinall recalls favourite Man Utd memories Meanwhile, Stoke’s sturdy defending helped them move three points clear of the drop zone in Ryan Shawcross’ final game as caretaker boss.Former Red Devils’ striker Mark Robins – now better known for his seven years managing Coventry City – will come in as the Potter’s permanent manager.It follows the sacking of Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge. More

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      Watch bizarre moment loose DOG is chased off pitch moments before kick-off in League One clash

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      A DOG had to be chased off the pitch moments before kick-off at Bristol Rovers vs Leyton Orient.The League One clash was in danger of being delayed as the hosts tried to chase down the four-legged pitch invader.The dog entered the pitch from one corner and managed to sprint all the way across to the opposite corner flag, all while being chased by a hapless club official.The hound was cheered all the way and greeted to cries of: “Sign him up! Sign him up! Sign him up!”Fans found the bizarre incident rather amusing and joked in response.One said: “Give him a stadium ban.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Football is a game for all, nice to see the dogs getting involved too.”Unfortunately for Rovers the dog did not bring about a change of fortune as they extended their winless run at home to five matches.Orient raced into an early lead as Ethan Galbraith struck into the bottom corner from outside the box.Rovers equalised from the penalty spot before two more goals either side of the break put the visitors in control.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChris Martin pulled one back and the hosts thought they had an equaliser in bizarre circumstances as the ball twice bounced off the bar before being bundled in by Gatlin O’Donkor – only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.Rovers are now just one place and two points above the relegation zone, with the Os closing on the play-offs after winning six of their last seven league games.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXED More

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      Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 years

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      ARSENAL legend Martin Keown has revealed that everybody has been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 years.The former England defender was speaking ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League trip to Brentford on New Years Day.Martin Keown has revealed that everyone has been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 yearsThe Highbury cult hero said his surname should be pronounced “Key-Owen”.Keown told Hayters: “Key-owen is the pronunciation.”My father worked hard (to tell others) and I kind of gave up on it because it was so difficult to get people to say the word.”The Irish just say it. It just rolls off the tongue as it’s part of their dialect.” READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKeown, now 58, was raised by Irish parents in a small community in Oxford during the 1970’s.The ex-defender joined the Arsenal as a schoolboy in the 1980s.However, he left the club in 1986 and signed for Aston Villa following a bitter row over wages.He would return in 1993 in a £2million deal from Everton.Most read in FootballHe waved goodbye to Arsenal after their Invincible season.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeown played 10 games as the Gunners went unbeaten to clinch the title in 2004.He won three Prem titles and four FA Cups during his 11 year stint with the North London club.Amazon Prime Video presenter and John Legend give fans ‘second hand embarrassment’ after Arsenal’s win over IpswichHe now often covers Arsenal’s current side as a pundit for TNT Sports and talkSPORT.Mikel Arteta’s side sit third in the table and are nine points behind Prem leaders Liverpool.A win over Brentford will put the Gunners above Nottingham Forest and close the gap to six points on Arne Slot’s side.Arsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining. More

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      Real Madrid ‘sound out William Saliba’s entourage over world record fee to sign Arsenal star’ in shock transfer

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      ARSENAL defender William Saliba has reportedly emerged as a top transfer target for Real Madrid.The Frenchman has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders over the last two years.Real Madrid reportedly want to sign William SalibaCredit: GettyAnd his impressive form has attracted interest from some Champions League rivals.Spanish outlet SPORT claims Real Madrid could launch a bid to sign him at the end of the season.But they will likely have to fork out at least £83million for him – which would be a world record fee for a defender.The report also claims Real Madrid chiefs sounded out Saliba’s entourage and received a positive response.Read More in FootballSaliba currently has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Arsenal contract.But last month he gave Mikel Arteta a boost by pledging his long-term future to the Gunners.He insisted: “I feel at home here.”I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked if could envisage staying at the Emirates for a long time, the Frenchman replied: “Yeah, of course.”Saliba is not the only man on Real Madrid’s radar.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Los Blancos are also pushing to sign Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Reds turned down an approach from the La Liga giants on Tuesday.But Alexander-Arnold is now free to speak to Real Madrid officials about a potential summer move because he is within the final six months of his contract.Earlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real are confident he will join at the end of the season. More

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      Premier League team of 2024 revealed with no sign of Mo Salah or Erling Haaland… but three Arsenal stars included

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      MO SALAH and Erling Haaland have been left out of the Premier League team of 2024.The pair were amongst the highest scorers in the previous calendar year, with Salah arguably the player of the season so far.Mo Salah was a surprise exclusion from the Prem team of 2024Credit: GettyBukayo Saka has the highest WhoScored rating of 2024Credit: GettyErling Haaland missed out to Kai HavertzCredit: GettyBut he was left out of a team of the year that contains just two players from league leaders Liverpool.There are also just two stars from 2023/24 Prem champions Manchester City – Rodri and Josko Gvardiol – and no Erling Haaland.The eleven compiled by stats website WhoScored includes some surprise names, including Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.The Dutchman has been a brilliant buy for the Bees and recorded an average rating of 6.97 in 2024 – bettering the likes of Alisson, David Raya and Emi Martinez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere is also a surprise entrance in central defence with James Tarkowski taking a place alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, despite many suggesting his Everton team-mate Jarrad Branthwaite was the better of the two last year.Gabriel also pips a team-mate in William Saliba despite an impressive year for the Frenchman.There is only one other player in the team that does not play for a Big Six club – Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze.Salah misses out on the right wing spot to Bukayo Saka, who has the best average rating in 2024, with Kai Havertz the third Arsenal player included in the centre-forward berth.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLiverpool are instead represented by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, who hit form towards the end of the year with three goals and one assist in four games.There are four England players included with Cole Palmer earning a spot thanks to his sensational form throughout the year.’We are far away from that,’ says Mo Salah as Liverpool star sends club another contract warning More