The Gunners fought back from going behind to claim a crucial win in the Premier League title race, with Nwaneri sparkling throughout.
Arsenal battled back from a goal behind to kick off 2025 with a crucial 3-1 win at Brentford in the Premier League and close the gap on leaders Liverpool to six points.
Despite dominating the opening 10 minutes, the Gunners found themselves trailing early on when Brentford broke away and scored through Bryan Mbeumo, who cut in from the right and beat David Raya with a low shot that snuck inside the keeper's near post.
Raya then survived a real scare when he let Lewis Potter's effort squirm through his hands before scrambling back to scoop the ball away just before it crossed the line.
That was a big moment in the game as Arsenal went down the other end of the pitch and levelled almost immediately, with the in-form Gabriel Jesus heading home his sixth goal in four games after Mark Flekken had pushed out Thomas Partey's effort.
Boosted by the equaliser, Mikel Arteta's side flew out of the blocks after the interval and seized control of the game with two goals in three minutes, first through Mikel Merino's close range effort and then through Gabriel Martinelli's powerful volley.
The visitors had chances to extend their lead further in the closing stages, but couldn't take them as they stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games and closed the gap to leaders Liverpool to six points.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Gtech Stadium…
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David Raya (6/10):
Unusually nervy. Beaten at his near post for the opening goal and almost let Lewis Potter's tame shit squirm through his hands.
Jurrien Timber (7/10):
Booked in the first half, so will now miss Brighton through suspension. Solid as always.
William Saliba (8/10):
Strong display once again. Didn't really give Brentford a sniff in the central areas.
Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10):
Had what looked like an injury scare in the warm-up, but didn't seem to bother him. Powerful performance.
Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):
First start back since his return and looked edgy throughout. Bit slack in possession and could have done better for Mbeumo's goal.
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Thomas Partey (8/10):
Always involved. Saw plenty of the ball and looked to get Arsenal moving. His shot led to the Jesus equaliser.
Mikel Merino (7/10):
Got himself into some useful positions down the left and combined with Martinelli. Was in the right place to score the crucial second goal.
Martin Odegaard (6/10):
Poor pass to give away possession in the build-up to Mbeumo's opener. Not at his best. Unusually sloppy with the ball.
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Ethan Nwaneri (8/10):
A first Premier League start for the 17-year-old and he proved yet again he is more than capable at this level. So calm in possession and caused problems with his trickery. The second and third goals both came from crosses he put in. Misplaced just two passes all evening before being replaced.
Gabriel Jesus (8/10):
Another game, another goal for the rejuvenated Brazilian. Good poacher's finish to draw Arsenal level. His shot also fell for Merino to make it 2-1. Lively throughout.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Thumping finish to make it 3-1. Much improved after the interval.
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Declan Rice (N/A):
One of a late triple sub from Arteta with the game already done and dusted
Leandro Trossard (N/A):
No real impact
Myles Lewis-Skelly (N/A):
Replaced Calafiori for the final 10 minutes.
Jorginho (N/A):
Sent on right at the end.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (N/A):
On for the final few seconds.
Mikel Arteta (7/10):
He will be delighted by the way his side fought back from conceding early on. Gave Nwaneri an opportunity and he took it.
