'Very important': Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal star after win vs Brentford

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Gabriel Jesus following his crucial equaliser in the opening half against Brentford in the Premier League.

The Gunners were on the back foot against the Bees as they conceded after just 13 minutes on the clock. However, there was a terrific response from the players. Jesus continued his sublime scoring form by bagging the equaliser.

Thomas Partey's shot was punched by goalkeeper Mark Flekken, but Jesus was on guard to head to rebound into the back of the net.

The Gunners went on to dominate the second half with Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli scoring quick-fire goals before the hour mark.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said that Jesus' goal was very important on the day and added to praise the goal contributions from Martinelli and Merino.

He said: "Very important. Today Martinelli scored and Mikel scored from a set-piece. In the last calendar year you see who has scored for us and that's our strength."

With the derby win, Arsenal have moved back to second in the Premier League table with 39 points. They are six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.