For second time this season, a late header from Kai Havertz beats Brentford to send Arsenal top of the Premier League.
Two changes were made from the team that hit Sheffield United for six the previous Monday, with Leandro Trossard replacing the injured Gabriel Martinelli. With the Brazilian suffering a foot issue during the game at Bramall Lane. Aaron Ramsdale also started in between the sticks with David Raya ineligible to play against his current parent club.
The contest started in a cagey manner, as Brentford sat very deep in their own half and looking for a long ball to striker Ivan Toney on the counter attack. With Arsenal struggling to break down the Bees in the opening 15 minutes despite controlling possession at Emirates Stadium.
However, they would find the breakthrough just shy of the 20 minute mark as a Ben White cross was met by Declan Rice who’s superb guided header found the far corner to give Arsenal the lead. The goal gave the Gunners confidence and they began to dominate the game with Ramsdale barely challenged in the Arsenal goal. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard came close but the score remained 1-0.
Although, out of absolutely nothing the away side would find an equaliser right at the end of the first half. Ramsdale found the ball at his feet and as he attempted to clear it Yohan Wissa threw himself at the feet of the Arsenal goalkeeper and the ball deflected in to silence Emirates Stadium. Despite the error, the stadium rose to applause the Arsenal stopper in an attempt to raise his spirits.
This was a game that Arsenal HAD to win, so a reaction was needed for a huge second half. And Arsenal did start the second half well, on the front foot and winning a number of corners in quick fashion. However, the closest they came was when a Gabriel header was cleared close to the line by a Brentford defender.
The Bees did also have their chances on the counter, with Toney almost catching Ramsdale out from long range with an impressive effort, but thr Arsenal stopped managed to claw the effort away from goal. Declan Rice also came close to a special goal of his own for Arsenal when his brilliant long-ranged strike hit the post.
With 15 minutes to go Arsenal needed someone to step forward, and step forward did Kai Havertz. The German headed home from a White cross with just five minutes to go. Sending Emirates stadium absolutely wild as the final whistle soon blew to confirm a huge win for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Another huge game soon awaits the Gunners as Porto travel to London for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.
Player Ratings:
Aaron Ramsdale: 4 – Made a huge error for the Brentford goal but did make two crucial saves in the second half
Ben White: 9 – Outstanding. Solid defensively but played a huge part going forwards with two assists
William Saliba: 7 – Solid as ever
Gabriel: 8 – Resllt reallly good, struggled against Toney at first but got the last laugh as he domaines the striker in the second half
Jakub Kiwior: 6 – Not as good as recent weeks but was ok
Jorginho: 7 – Solid, kept things ticking nicely
Declan Rice: 8 – Was everywhere once again and got another goal to his name
Martin Odegaard: 7 – Showed some excellent skill at times and never stopped working hard
Bukayo Saka: 7 – Not too involved but showed strong ball retention
Kai Havertz: 8 – Another massive goal in a big game for the German
Leandro Trossard: 6 – Bright at times in the first half but faded in the second