Arsenal stumble at Brentford as title race tightens

Arsenal missed the chance to extend their Premier League lead to six points after being held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Brentford side, a result that keeps Manchester City firmly in the title race.

Noni Madueke headed the leaders in front on the hour mark, but Brentford responded strongly and deservedly levelled through Keane Lewis-Potter.

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The draw leaves Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League standings as they chase a first league title in 22 years. However, Mikel Arteta’s men still face a crucial trip to second-placed Manchester City in the run-in, with 12 games remaining.

Brentford, meanwhile, boosted their bid for a first-ever European qualification and remain seventh. Keith Andrews’ side have now lost just twice at home all season, underlining how difficult they are to break down on their own turf.

David Raya produced a superb first-half save to deny his former club, clawing away a powerful header from Igor Thiago. Arsenal were without William Saliba and Kai Havertz due to illness and injury, respectively, but Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka returned to the squad and were named on the bench.

Arteta introduced Ødegaard at half-time, and Arsenal began the second period with greater intent. Their pressure paid off when Madueke rose highest at the back post to head Piero Hincapié’s cross beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.

However, the visitors retreated after taking the lead and invited Brentford back into the contest. Thiago again tested Raya as the hosts grew in confidence, while Lewis-Potter earlier headed wide from a corner despite being unmarked.

The equaliser arrived from one of Michael Kayode’s long throws. Sepp van den Berg flicked the ball on, and Lewis-Potter got ahead of Ødegaard to head home.