Arsenal took all three points in their first game of 2025 as they took apart Brentford in yet another victorious London derby. With several key players missing or not fully fit, it was an impressive showing of what even a limited Arsenal side can do against a very challenging opponent away from home.

Brentford took the lead in the game through Bryan Mbeumo in what was the first chance at goal for the home side – striking low past David Raya at his near post. Gabriel Jesus however would cancel this out with a diving header from a saved effort from range.

Arsenal would grab the game early in the second half as Mikel Merino latched onto a ball bouncing in the box from a corner before Gabriel Martinelli slammed in the third for the title chasers.

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Here's how football.london rated the Gunners players individually in the match.

David Raya – Beaten at his near-post, which usually incurs criticism. But he was unsighted, and there was little he could do with a good shot from Mbeumo. However he would later let a shot slip, having to dive back at the last moment to claw the ball away from crossing the line.

The second half though saw some of the best long-range distribution I've seen. With long kicks or quarterback-like throws through to Gabriel Martinelli, it was quite something. 6

Jurrien Timber – Was booked for a poor challenge and will miss the game against Brighton in three days' time. His link-up with Nwaneri was good, but never looked too threatening but had to be calm in defence while on the yellow card. 6

William Saliba – Strong, solid and tall. Another very good performance and helped keep his side composed when under pressure at the back with some strong clearances and transitions while in possession. 8

Gabriel Magalhaes – The Brazilian remains simply the best centre-half in the Premier League as things stand and it’s not just his presence from set-pieces but the things that defenders have to be good at. His consistency to put in these top performances week in, week out continues to amaze. 8

Riccardo Calafiori - Was caught out with some very poor defending as Mbeumo went effectively unchallenged as he cut inside to score. Some poor passes showed that this was indeed a player fresh off from an injury, but he grew slowly into the game through the second half. 5

Thomas Partey – Some excellent incisive passing from the midfielder and took the long-range shot that would force the Arsenal equaliser. He continued his fine form into the second period and was arguably the Gunners’ best player on the day, just edging it over the two centre-halves. 8

Mikel Merino – Played a progressive free midfield role, showing up on the right as much as the left but this did allow the middle third to be somewhat open which played more into Brentford's strategy. His goal in the second half would bring a big lift to his side who didn’t take long to capitalise soon after. 7

Martin Odegaard – Tried some chipped through balls in the first half which did not lead to much in the way of strong opportunities. It was one of the skipper's less impactful games for the side but thankfully his teammates stepped up in his stead. 6

Gabriel Martinelli – Returning to his usual left-wing spot, the first half was relatively unthreatening as the Brazilian couldn't get into the ideal positions. However, he would latch onto a bouncing ball in the box to slam in the Gunner’s third. 7

Gabriel Jesus – Quick on the money to react quickest to Thomas Partey's saved effort and the Brazilian headed in brilliantly. 7

Ethan Nwaneri – Such a bright spark in the side and was showing all his talent, beating players and creating chances for his teammates – not what you’d expect of from a 17-year-old making his first Premier League start. 7

Substitutes:

Declan Rice – Helped to see out the game from the bench and was a good chance to rest the England international ahead of the trip to Brighton. 5

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Good experience to come on to help see out a game and based on Calafiori’s form, the youngster has a real shout to fight for that left-back spot. 5

Leandro Trossard – Won some important duels high up the field to help relieve pressure. 5

Jorginho - Came on the help finish but not enough time to fairly rate. n/a

Oleksandr Zinchenko - Came on the help finish but not enough time to fairly rate. n/a