Kai Havertz's late winner spared the blushes of Aaron Ramsdale and ensured Arsenal claimed a 2-1 victory over Brentford which sent them top of the Premier League.
2023/2024 Premier League
2-1
Match Report
Mikel Arteta's side came into the clash knowing that a win would lift them above both Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of their meeting at Anfield on Sunday.
The Gunners, who have been in blistering form since their winter break trip to Dubai in January, began as they have in several clashes, dominating possession, before taking an early lead, this time through Declan Rice.
The England international headed home the cross of Ben White to inspire hopes of a serene evening. But those desires were dashed just before the break when Aaron Ramsdale failed to clear the ball ahead of the on-rushing Yoane Wissa.
The 25-year-old was making his first Premier League appearance since November, with regular No 1 David Raya ineligible to face his parent club.
The second half was a tense affair, with the Bees enjoying several presentable chances before Havertz grabbed the winner in the 86th minute to send the north Londoners top.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
4' Yellow Card! Frank Onyeka booked
10' Yellow Card! Gabriel booked
15' What a great pass from Ramsdale!
19' GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Brentford (Rice)
21' Yellow Card! Jorgensen booked
34' CLOSE! Havertz’s shot wide out
49' GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Brentford (Yoane Wissa)
55' Great save from Ramsdale!
69' What a save from Ramsdale
73' CLOSE! Rice hits the post
86' GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford (Havertz)
Line-ups
Arsenal XI: Trossard, Jorginho, Martin Ødegaard, Rice, Gabriel, Havertz, Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Saka, Jakub Kiwior
Subs: Cedric, Partey, Zinchenko, Jesus, Nelson, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Karl Hein, Fábio Vieira
Brentford XI: Jorgensen, Christian Nørgaard, Mark Flekken, Ivan Toney, Yoane Wissa, Kristoffer Ajer, Janelt, Mads Roerslev, Frank Onyeka, Keane Lewis-Potter, Nathan Collins
Subs: S. Ghoddos, Strakosha, Maupay, Mathias Jensen, Shandon Baptiste, Mikkel Damsgaard, Yegor Yarmolyuk, Ji-soo Kim, Benjamin Arthur