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, 14 minutes
A shocker from Aaron Ramsdale but Declan Rice spares his blushes! A horror moment for the goalkeeper, with Yoane Wissa nicking the ball from him as he messes around in his own six-yard box after Gabriel takes a goal kick. Bryan Mbeumo creates space as the ball breaks to him and fires goalwards, but Rice is back to firefight expertly, blcoking on the line with a relieved Ramsdale over quickly to offer thanks.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 13 minutes
Aaron Ramsdale continues to cop some stick from the Brentford fans, with holding his concentration likely to be a challenge if Arsenal, as expected, dominate the ball.
Brentford take possession from them and Bryan Mbeumo peels out to the right, looking to get at Gabriel Magalhaes from slightly wider. Gabriel does well.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 11 minutes
Bukayo Saka takes an age to deliver, eventually finding the double-fisted thrust of a leaping Mark Flekken, who returns the ball to the Arsenal and England man. Saka draws a couple of defenders and lays the ball off for Leandro Trossard, and the Belgian should do much more with his effort on goal. A backwards lean sends it flying over the crossbar with Flekken untroubled.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 10 minutes
Vitaly Janelt is forced to concede a corner, the makeshift left-wing-back pressured and knocking out of play. Arsenal load the box.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 9 minutes
Gabriel Jesus looks to be feeling at his leg a bit, the Brazilian’s injury perhaps still bothering him. One to monitor.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 8 minutes
A loose pass from Frank Onyeka, but the midfielder makes amends, retreating towards the Brentford defence and pinching the ball before an Arsenal quartet can advance with intent.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 6 minutes
Takehiro Tomiyasu turns on the ball and tries to advance up the right, running out of room having rather lost his bearings as he pivoted. The right back offers a raised hand of apology to his teammates.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 5 minutes
Leandro Trossard is the leftward member of Arsenal’s midfield three, stacked slightly ahead of Martin Odegaard, who is more advanced than Declan Rice. Trossard is sticking tightly to Frank Onyeka in Arsenal’s defensive shape.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 4 minutes
It’s Gabriel Martinelli who is found by Martin Odegaard, but the Brazilian forward makes a mess of his attempted header, spooning it up rather than on and rather wasting a decent opportunity with Brentford failing to track his run.
Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 2 minutes
Sonia Twigg is our reporter at the ground this evening and can hear some early taunts from home fans towards Aaron Ramsdale, the stand-in stopped being unfavourably compared with David Raya.
An early free kick for Arsenal upfield, though, and William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes lumber forward to lend their height.
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