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Kai Havertz’s header three minutes from time earned Arsenal a dramatic 2-1 win against Brentford on Saturday to send Mikel Arteta’s side top of the Premier League.
It looked for so long like Aaran Ramsdale’s error, which gifted Yoane Wissa an equaliser on the stroke of half-time, was going to see Arsenal miss out on the chance to leapfrog both Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of Sunday’s clash against the title rivals at Anfield.
But then – with the clocking ticking towards the 90 – Ben White, whose superb cross had set up Declan Rice’s 19th minute opener, sent another wonderful ball into the box. Havertz was there to rise and thump his header beyond Mark Flekken to earn the hosts an eighth successive league win and send them top for the first time since Christmas.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Aaron Ramsdale (7/10):
A horror moment right on half-time when he gifted Brentford an equaliser. Responded to the setback superbly after the interval, making two excellent saves to keep Arsenal level.
Ben White (9/10):
Lovely cross for Rice’s goal and then produced an even better one to set up Havertz late on. Excellent performance.
William Saliba (7/10):
Good battle with Ivan Toney. The Brentford striker bullied him in this fixture last season, but Saliba didn’t have the same issues this time out.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Picked up an early booking that meant he had to be very careful all evening, but he handled the situation well.
Jakub Kiwior (7/10):
Another solid showing from the makeshift left-back. The Poland international now looks very comfortable playing that role.
Midfield
Jorginho (7/10):
Produced a couple of excellent looped passes over the defence that deserved to be finished off.
Declan Rice (8/10):
Another game, another goal. Rice was the driving force behind a lot of Arsenal’s good play and consistently looked to pop up in the box as the extra man, as he did so expertly when he headed Arsenal in front. That’s six goals now for the midfielder this season.
Martin Odegaard (8/10):
A joy to watch. His quick feet to get out of difficult situations were incredible at times. A bundle of energy as always, leading the press.
Attack
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Was always on the fringes of the game. Brentford did well to keep him away from the danger area.
Kai Havertz (8/10):
His link up play was excellent all night and popped up with the crucial winner at the end. Fortunate to escape a second yellow card for what looked like a clear dive in the second half.
Leandro Trossard (7/10):
Such a gifted player. Brentford really struggled to deal with him when he had the ball at his feet in tight spaces.
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Subs & Manager
Gabriel Jesus (6/10):
Still doesn’t look anywhere near match fit. Clearly lacking his usual sharpness.
Reiss Nelson (N/A):
Made one great tackle to get the crowd going at 1-1.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (N/A):
Good to see him back after injury. Introduced late on.
Thomas Partey (N/A):
On for the last few minutes.
Mikel Arteta (7/10):
You could see the relief on his face after Havertz had struck. His team played well and deserved the win, but it was a bit of a throwback to the chaotic ways of last season.
