Arsenal bring the Bees to their knees (not quite!) to start the new year in style!

The Loose Cannon Podcast

In a thrilling encounter, Arsenal secured a 3-1 comeback victory over Brentford, narrowing Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League to six points. Despite an early setback from Bryan Mbeumo's goal for Brentford, Arsenal turned the game around with strikes from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli. This win positions Arsenal as formidable contenders in the title race. Although Kai Havertz missed the match due to illness, he is expected to return for the next game.

Highlighting the match, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his full Premier League debut, effectively replacing the injured Bukayo Saka. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Nwaneri's performance, particularly his contribution to the team's third goal. Mikel Merino also played a crucial role, with his second-half goal boosting Arsenal's momentum, showcasing his value to the squad.

On the transfer front, Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle United's striker Alexander Isak faces challenges due to a high valuation, while interest in Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies heats up amid competition from top European clubs. With Bukayo Saka undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury, Arsenal may look for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window.

In club legend news, former Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte, a member of the iconic 'Invincibles' squad, announced his retirement at the age of 40. Hoyte expressed gratitude to fans and hinted at a future role in coaching or mentoring.