Arsenal stutter at the Gtech as Brentford’s long-throw specialist stalls the title charge
Arsenal missed the chance to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Manchester City had cut the gap with victory over Fulham on Wednesday, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side under pressure to respond in west London.
Brentford, who have been one of the division’s most consistent home teams this season, made it a difficult night from the opening minutes.
Arsenal dominated possession in the first half but lacked urgency and incision in the final third.
The hosts stayed compact, pressed with intensity and looked comfortable defending their box.
Arsenal’s best chance before the break fell to Gabriel Magalhaes, whose header from a corner was cleared away under pressure.
Brentford, meanwhile, threatened in spells through direct breaks and set-pieces, with David Raya forced into a couple of sharp interventions to keep the game level.
Arteta gave Eberechi Eze his first Premier League start in two months, but the midfielder struggled to impose himself between the lines.
He was replaced at half-time by Martin Odegaard as Arsenal looked for more control and clearer passing in the final third.
Arsenal continued to probe after the restart and gradually pushed Brentford deeper, although clear chances remained limited.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute when Piero Hincapie delivered a dangerous cross from the left.
Noni Madueke peeled away at the far post and guided his header back across Caoimhin Kelleher to give Arsenal a lead that looked significant in the title race.
However, Brentford responded well and Arsenal were unable to manage the game in the way they would have wanted.
The hosts drew level 10 minutes later through one of their most reliable weapons, as Michael Kayode launched a long throw into the penalty area.
Sepp van den Berg flicked it on and Keane Lewis-Potter reacted quickest at the far post, heading in to make it 1-1.
The equaliser lifted the home crowd and Brentford ended the game looking the more likely winners.
Igor Thiago continued to cause problems with his movement and physicality, forcing Arsenal into several important blocks and recoveries in the closing stages.
Thiago had a late opportunity to win it, but Cristhian Mosquera produced an outstanding sliding tackle to deny him.
Arsenal also had a chance in stoppage time when Gabriel Martinelli was played through, only for Kelleher to make an excellent save.
Arteta introduced Bukayo Saka, Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori in the closing stages, but Brentford held firm to secure a point.
It was a frustrating result for Arsenal in a tricky away fixture, and one that reduces their margin for error at the top.
The post Arsenal stutter at the Gtech as Brentford’s long-throw specialist stalls the title charge first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.