Sadly for them, he didn’t turn around…
16:19
Gunners unbeaten run
By Harry Bamforth
Stay with us, I have a feeling it’s going to be a belter.
It would be amazing. That is the aim – to do what we can to try and win the game. We are facing a very good Arsenal team. In a way, they have gone a little under the radar.
There has been much talk about Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool because they are doing fantastic and Chelsea as they have done more than people expected, but I think Arsenal have performed consistently well. A well-run machine and team.
16:11
Bees aim to get buzz back
By Harry Bamforth
Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Arsenal travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford in Premier League action. 17:04
Party atmosphere
By Harry Bamforth
16:14
Frank: ‘Arsenal have gone under the radar’
By Harry Bamforth
If they do want to get their hands on the trophy at the end of the season, they simply can’t drop points at Brentford today.
We have to continue to be like a hammer, be there every day, every day, every day. If someone wins all the matches, congratulate them and let’s go to the next season but, if they don’t, which, in history, hasn’t happened, we’ll be there.
Very tough. They’re Brentford a really, really good team. When you see their record at home until last week, it’s remarkable.
They’ve evolved and adapted as well. The qualities in their team are because of the players they have right now, so I’m very impressed.
With Liverpool flying at the top and seemingly extending the gap with every passing week, it’s easy to forget that Arsenal have been playing well.
Can they start the new year in the same way they ended the last?
We have just got to listen to Jorja Smith’s ‘Little Things’, which is a great tune before the techno music comes on.
Thomas Frank, Brentford boss, speaking on Monday:
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking pre-match:
I thought the party was meant to stop last night?
16:04
Can Gunners cut the gap?
By Harry Bamforth
I mean, when I saw Myles Lewis-Skelly take to the pitch in just a t-shirt, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
17:00
Partey: ‘We want to win everything’
By Harry Bamforth
Whoever is in control of the music here at the Gtech obviously didn’t get the memo.
Thomas Partey, Arsenal midfielder, speaking to TNT Sports:
Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Mwerino, and Thomas Partey all come in to the side.
It has been raining throughout that time too, my desk was pretty wet when I cam to sit down.
Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool but can put pressure on the Reds with a win today.
I have spotted six of the 20 players wearing snoods and many opting for leggings over shorts.
Well, well well… this is some big news.
They have only dropped five points at the Gtech all season and have the joint-best home record in the Premier League with Liverpool.
He is one of four changes to the side who beat Ipswich last week.
The Gunners have won their past two league matches to get a bit of form going again, but anything less than three points today would be a disaster for them.
Luckily, there is some cover for the computer.
Letting down the Scots there, Kieran…
Can he take his big opportunity?
Whoever thought set-piece coaches would get so much love, eh?
We start 2025 with a London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium as Brentford take on title-chasing Arsenal.
What an interesting team selection by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal’s first match of 2025. Ethan Nwaneri makes his first Premier League start at right wing, Kai Havertz is not in the squad and Myles Lewis-Skelly is dropped for Riccardo Calafiori.
The omission of Havertz, reportedly because of illness, is a big blow for the Gunners. He is a key source of goals. But Nwaneri has a big opportunity to stake a claim for a regular spot in the team with the right-wing position vacant after Bukayo Saka’s injury.
I think the main reason is because of their two draws against Fulham and Everton in that run.
16:53
Frank: ‘An interesting battle’
By Harry Bamforth
They are coming into form at a very good time.
Meanwhile, Ethan Nwaneri is making his first Premier League start at a club the size of Arsenal.
16:23
Lots of love for Jover
By Harry Bamforth
I’m, not complaining though, they are playing bangers.
I can’t lie, it’s hard to see what he is doing.
Anyone who reads my blogs regularly will know that I like techno… quite a lot too.
Young Ethan Nwaneri has been selected to make his first-ever Premier League start for the Gunners.
Brentford normally provide bucketloads of entertainment when they play at home, so I can’t think of a better place to start the year.
16:31
Lewis-Skelly braves the cold
By Harry Bamforth
16:38
A wet start
By Harry Bamforth
I think we should expect a lively performance from the hosts, I just have that feeling that they will bring their A-game.
2024 was a pretty good year for the Gunners, it has to be said.
He loves a London Derby too…
Thomas Frank, Brentford boss, speaking to TNT Sports:
Make it make sense…
What were you all doing at 17 years old?
I can’t lie, I didn’t realise just how good a run Arsenal have been on recently, when I read the statistic it took me by surprise.
Yep, that’s how big this game is.
16:00
Happy New Year!
By Harry Bamforth
I bet the Arsenal fans are buzzing he is involved from the start today, they have called for this for a very long time.
Yegor Yarmoliuk and Sepp van den Berg both come in, with the latter replacing the injured Ben Mee.
I mean, whenever I have covered them at the Gtech they have put on one hell of a show.
Get yourselves strapped in everyone, it’s going to be a cracker.
However, they did lose the last time they played at home to the surprise package of the season, Nottingham Forest.