Arsenal came from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 at the Emirates to move six points behind leaders Liverpool.

Brentford took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo in the 13th minute. The goal took the Cameroon international’s tally to 11 league goals for the season, which is the highest goal ratio in the Brentford squad. Brentford was close to making it two in the 28th minute, but the ball was cleared off the line by Arsenal’s shot-stopper, David Raya. A minute later, the save proved costly for Brentford as Arsenal drew level through Gabriel Jesus. It was his sixth goal in his last four games for Arsenal.

Arsenal took the lead five minutes after the restart through a set piece, which has become a routine for Arsenal this season. Ethan Nwaneri played in a pinpoint cross into the box. Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken punched the ball, Jesus shot, but his effort was blocked. It somehow deflected to Mikel Merino, who slotted it home.

Gabriel Martinelli made it three in the 53rd minute. Nwaneri drifted from the right-hand side before whipping a cross into the box. Nathan Collins tried clearing the ball away from the Brentford goal, but he was only able to clear it as far as Martinelli, who made no mistake in putting the ball past Flekken.

It was a statement win for Arsenal, as many had doubted that the London side would struggle without their talisman, Bukayo Saka, who is out for more than two months. Arsenal take on a rejuvenated Brighton side next, who are playing some of the best football in the league under Fabian Hürzeler, and will have to be at their best to go away with three points from the Amex Stadium.