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
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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, 45 + 3 minutes
Martin Odegaard tries a backheel or scorpion kick of sorts, his left leg craning behind him to try and divert a bouncing ball towards goal. The requisite connection isn’t made and that will be that for the half.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 45 + 2 minutes
Leandro Trossard’s driven cross strikes a Brentford player, but the ricochet is kind to the hosts and a teammate is able to fashion a clearance.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 45 minutes
Disappointment for Arsenal, but it’s still them playing with verve as we enter three additional minutes. Brentford are being forced farther and farther back, and Kristoffer Ajer is booked for booting the ball away after barging into Gabriel Jesus.
A free kick in a threatening position for Arsenal.
NO GOAL! Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 45 minutes
Leandro Trossard nods home from close range!
A couple of tight offside calsl but I think this one will stand. It’s a little lax from Brentford, pushing out but not far enough as Bukayo Saka picks out Gabriel Jesus beyond the defensive line.
Jesus should score but fails to beat Mark Flekken, who makes an outstanding save but can’t claw the ball out of danger. Trossard is on hand to apply the finishing touches...but was he onside? There’s a long VAR check...
And he’s just offside! Trossard’s left foot is just in front of Gabriel Jesus as the striker heads at goal, and that’ll be chalked off! Goalless it remains!
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 40 minutes
Better from the visitors. A Jesus shot takes a double deflection and forces Mark Flekken into a save. The goalkeeper can’t gather - a corner.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 38 minutes
A goal at the other end would do all in the rather garish yellow Arsenal shirts some good. Gabriel Jesus has a glimpse of an over, the angle tight and his effort sliced as he bursts away in the box.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 36 minutes
Oh dear. Aaron Ramsdale makes another error, failing to release his throw and hurling the ball down at his toes, having to bid a hasty retreat back towards goal as Brentford sweep up the pieces. They can’t capitalise, but the goalkeeper looks shaken, throwing that malfunctioning right arm about as the home crowd give him another reminder of his inferiority to the on-loan David Raya. Ramsdale needs to mentally reset.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 33 minutes
Strong goalkeeping from Ramsdale, battling between the bodies to bash the ball away.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 32 minutes
Now Brentford draw a corner out of Arsenal, William Saliba struck on the back by a cross and the ball pinballing behind. Three Brentford players immediately surround Aaron Ramsdale.
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