Arsenal headed back to the top of the Premier League after they beat a stubborn Brentford 1-0 thanks to a late winner from Kai Havertz.
Substitute Kai Havertz’s 89th minute winner secured Mikel Arteta’s side a hard fought victory against Thomas Frank’s impressive Bees, leapfrogging Liverpool and Manchester City who drew earlier in the day.
Here are five talking points from the game…
Ramsdale’s confidence has gone
Aaron Ramsdale returned to the starting eleven in place of David Raya who was ineligible to face his parent club Brentford. The England international looked nowhere near his usual confident self, with two first-half mistakes almost costing his side dear. Ramsdale had teammate Declan Rice to thank for saving his blushes as the midfielder’s goal-line block denied a near certain goal. Still a hot topic in late November, Arsenal’s goalkeeper predicament will continue to rumble on for months to come.
Arsenal boosted by timely Jesus return
Coming into one of the busiest periods of the season, Mikel Arteta’s side have been buoyed by the return of Gabriel Jesus from injury. The striker featured for Brazil during the latest international break, and was fit enough to start today at the Brentford Community Stadium. Although his impact on the match was limited, the 25-year-old escaped unscathed as he was substituted in the 65th minute. With two more matches to play in the Champions League and plenty of Premier League games to deal with before the New Year, Arsenal will need Jesus to remain fit and fighting for the coming months.
Unconvincing Gunners head top
It took until the 89th minute but Arsenal finally broke down Brentford’s stubborn defence to head back to the top of the Premier League. Nervy at the back and fruitless in attack, the Gunners struggled to take the game to the Bees, with both sides lacking the killer blow. Kai Havertz’s late winner proved decisive as Mikel Arteta’s men took home all three points, in the process leapfrogging Manchester City and Liverpool who drew with each other earlier in the day.
Arsenal attack lacking once again
Although Arsenal had 15 shots at Brentford’s goal, only four managed to trouble home keeper Mark Flekken. The Gunners deserved to head back to north London with all three points but their attacking play was unconvincing to say the least. Looking lethargic a lot of the time, even the front three of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka failed to get going with the two Brazilians being substituted midway through the second half. Thankfully for Mikel Arteta, one goal was all they needed to secure all three points.
Kai Havertz finally shuts up the haters
Mikel Arteta loves Kai Havertz, and his persistent love finally paid off as the German scored the winner to send Arsenal top. Getting onto the end of Bukayo Saka’s pinpoint cross, Havertz guided his header into the bottom right corner to Gunners ecstasy. Only on the field for 20 minutes, scoring the winner at one of the most difficult grounds to play at is one way to shut the haters up. Arteta got his match winner into a headlock after the match and guided him towards the Arsenal fans chanting his name. A much needed confidence boost.
