Arsenal claimed the top spot in the Premier League with a narrow 2-1 victory over Brentford at home on Saturday. The Gunners secured their eighth consecutive league win, but the match at the Emirates Stadium was a hard-fought battle.
Brentford’s goal was somewhat fortunate, but Thomas Frank’s team put up a resilient fight and narrowly missed securing a point at the very end of the game.
The early moments saw Arsenal coming close to scoring directly from a corner, as Declan Rice’s precise delivery caused havoc in Brentford’s defense. However, a touch off Ivan Toney’s knee saved the Bees. Toney had Brentford’s first real chance, but his header from a corner was well saved by Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale.
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In the 19th minute, Arsenal took the lead when Ben White’s cross found Rice, who headed the ball beyond Mark Flekken. The hosts had another opportunity when Jorginho’s clever pass found Kai Havertz, but his shot went wide. VAR would likely have overturned an offside decision if the ball had ended up in the net.
Just before half-time, Brentford equalized in a stunning fashion. Ramsdale’s delayed clearance was blocked by Yoane Wissa, resulting in the ball bouncing back into the net.
Ramsdale redeemed himself in the second half, making a crucial save from Ivan Toney’s long-range half-volley. Arsenal came close to regaining the lead with Gabriel Magalhaes’s headed effort, cleared off the line by Vitaly Janelt.
The hosts were frustrated by VAR decisions, as penalty appeals for tugs on Trossard and challenges on Havertz were waved away. Ramsdale made key saves, including tipping a header from Collins over the bar.
In the dying minutes, Arsenal secured the win as Havertz’s powerful header from White’s cross proved too much for Flekken to handle. The late goal sealed the victory for the Gunners, sending them to the top of the league.