Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reactions as substitute Kai Havertz scores winner
Brentford 0-1 Arsenal: Havertz’s winner takes the Gunners to the top of the table
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal went top of the Premier League as Kai Havertz headed home a late winner against Brentford.
After the draw between Manchester City and Liverpool had opened the door for Arsenal to take top spot, it looked for so long like it would be a night to forget for Mikel Arteta’s side as they struggled to breakdown aresolute home defence.
But a piece of Bukayo Saka brilliance put a goal on a plate for Havertz, and the German sharply directed a downward header past Mark Flekken to snatch a 1-0 victory.
The visitors had barely got out of first gear on a chilly London evening and failed to create many clear chances, while Aaron Ramsdale - standing in for the ineligible David Raya in goal - endured a couple of nervy moments at the other end.
Declan Rice spared his goalkeeper’s blushes with a last-ditch first half clearance, while Oleksandr Zinchenko also produced a timely clearance off the line to ensure Ramsdale’s goal was not breached.
And that alllowed Saka and Havertz to combine to secure three points that take Arteta’s men above both the defending champions and Liverpool to head the Premier League pack after 13 matches.
Follow all the reaction below plus get the latest Premier League odds and tips right here:
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 79 minutes
Perhaps Mikel Arteta feels Arsenal are just starting to drift, gesturing for Kai Havertz to hurry along and then delivering some extended instructions to the German. Havertz enters with Gabriel Martinelli taken off.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 77 minutes
Outstanding from Oleksandr Zinchenko! A vital intervention from the left-back, Bryan Mbeumo standing up a cross which Neal Maupay can attack. His header appears goalbound but Zinchenko leaps across with a karate kick to clear as Arsenal clear a second effort of the evening off the line!
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 76 minutes
A rare error from William Saliba, overly focussed on Neal Maupay and letting Bryan Mbeumo nip in to take the ball away. Gabriel covers his centre-half partner’s shift, stepping across to the right to cut out a pass as Brentford’s front two try to combine.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 73 minutes
This game could do with something to spark it into life. Arsenal continue to provide a polite rat-a-tat-tat on the door, but they are hardly pounding upon it, looking a touch short of energy and invention with Brentford holding firm.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 71 minutes
Brentford make their first alterations, with Yoane Wissa and Yegor Yarmolyuk removed. Neal Maupay and a fit-again Shandon Baptiste are introduced.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 71 minutes
That wasn’t so comfortable for Flekken, getting his feet in a tangle to offer a rapidly approaching Eddie Nketiah a chance to pinch it from him. To give some credit to the goalkeeper, he sorts himself out and escapes Nketiah’s clutches.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 69 minutes
Bukayo Saka’s corner is rather less impressive; Mark Flekken watches it into the palms.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 68 minutes
Almost an immediate impact! Gabriel Martinelli is getting livelier and livelier and so nearly finds Nketiah with an inswinging cross. A superb defensive header from Ben Mee prevents the substitute strieker converting.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 66 minutes
Here is that Arsenal change, Eddie Nketiah with his gloves on and ready to take the place of Gabriel Jesus, who makes a laboured wander over to the touchline.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 62 minutes
There are just a few spaces starting to appear for Brentford. Yoane Wissa accelerates up the left as Bryan Mbeumo passes out to Frank Onyeka on the right, but the midfielder’s pass towards a striding Wissa is skewed too close to the goalkeeper.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
1Comments