Arsenal missed the chance to re-establish their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League as an impressive Brentford side held them to a 1-1 draw.
After seeing second-placed Manchester City sweep Fulham aside on Wednesday, Arsenal's lead at the top was trimmed to just three points - but the Gunners could only improve that margin by one on a difficult night in west London.
The Gunners did not have a shot on target in the first half, despite Gabriel going close from an early corner. It was Brentford who had the best chance of the half as Igor Thiago's header from 12 yards was superbly kept out by David Raya.
Arsenal brought on captain Martin Odegaard - back from injury - at half-time for the disappointing Eberechi Eze and that made a difference, with the league leaders then taking the lead from their first effort on target.
Just as Bukayo Saka was ready to join the action, Noni Madueke headed Piero Hincapie's fierce cross into the far corner.
But Brentford were not disheartened by going behind, if anything it spurred them on. Keane Lewis-Potter should have levelled but put a free header wide from a corner.
At the other end, Michael Kayode put in a brilliant last-ditch tackle to stop Viktor Gyokeres from making it two, when Declan Rice should have shot earlier.
And those two Brentford players had a role in the equaliser. Kayode's long throw was flicked on at the near post, with Lewis-Potter beating Odegaard to the ball at the far post to level.
And Brentford were not done there - as they looked close to getting a second over Arsenal. Gabriel avoided a second yellow card for a high challenge on Dango Ouattara, with Raya tipping the resulting free-kick over.
Then came a big moment as Thiago broke clear for a one on one - only for Cristhian Mosquera, deputising for the ill William Saliba - to deny him with a strong tackle. Rice put in a similar last-ditch block to stop another Ouattara-led breakaway.
Neither side could get a winner, in a result which boosts Brentford's European hopes - and damages Arsenal's challenge.
arsenal002
1
Gentlemen, Brentford is a good team. Why can't we just acknowledge the brilliance of this team. It was only Man C of the top six that was able to beat them at home. It's not easy getting results at Gtech stadium.
arsenal002
0
Left to me, if Havertz and Dowman had played today's game, Arsenal would have have won.
vanbdilmos
0
im a big fan of arteta but if they did not win anything by the end of the season, then i agree for him to be replaced....resources and time was given enough for him!
Come On Mate to be honest i think Me and The real Arsenal fan's We Want More Than TWO Or at least 2 Trophy THIS Season Whatever the Whether Arteta his been 6 years in Arsenal Why he is Lossing Confidence Arteta his not brave Every Year When is About Winning title
KylieJones
0
every big side take their downfall in the first leg either at the beginning mid way or at the last part but in the first leg,arsenal always wanna take their downfall midway in the second leg...
Fateopstu
0
Arsenal should not expect anything from Arteta because his boss (Pep G) will trounce him at both premier league caraba cup
Marcelinoo
0
arteta is not good under pressure, once a team starts closing in he panics
SkylarJohsua
0
im a big fan of arteta but if they did not win anything by the end of the season, then i agree for him to be replaced....resources and time was given enough for him!
bohbcdikmr
1
Thiago costs Brentford this match…they deserved the three points
hehbceknrt
0
Up the Gunners 👆💥
hehbceknrt
0
Let's keep our heads high...we will come back stronger 💪 and let's focus more and keep the Momentum going 💪...💯👌🤙👆
denadintuz
0
Arsenal will bottle it again. It's oy 4 point now. Arsenal will drop point again which allow City to win the EPL.
Bestonwizzy
0
Another Security job for Arsenal, they watched over the league from the beginning of the season, it’s time to submit to the winner 🧐🧐🧐
doybelmpry
2
must he plays saka, why not allow Madueka to finish the game
yoyadekoz
0
Arsenal play too controlled, looks conservative and playing like the handbrake is on. It look retarded and gives team chances to defend and stay in the game with hopes of winning. Take that sh@t somewhere Arteta, let the boys run!
lowbekortz
0
I knew martinelli will waste like 3 chances before he scored 1 goal when it mattered most. what was the use of controlling? Just chip the ball dude
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because arteta destroyed his fitness
AskG00gle
0
I knew martinelli will waste like 3 chances before he scored 1 goal when it mattered most. what was the use of controlling? Just chip the ball dude
lowbekortz
0
arteta out. you always ignore martelleni
Sasceostz
2
Supporting Arsenal is. Hard mn…one minute you happy an the next u feel like not watching them play again 😭😭🤦🏾😩