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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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 vs Arsenal
So it looks like a switch of system for Brentford from a back five to a back four, with the loss of Nathan Collins obviously a significant blow. Saman Ghoddos comes in further forward to add threat alongside Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.
Leandro Trossard is a midfield starter for Arsenal, in a surprise. All sorts of attacking potential in that front five, though, with Declan Rice having to knit it all together from a holding role.
Team News - Arsenal
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Trossard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Team News - Brentford
Brentford XI: Flekken; Ajer, Mee, Pinnock, Janelt; Norgaard, Onyeka, Yarmoliuk; Mbeumo, Ghoddos, Wissa
Brentford vs Arsenal
Just a few minutes now until the teams are named. It was Leandro Trossard alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli last time out for Arsenal - does Mikel Arteta bring Gabriel Jesus back in from the start?
Brentford vs Arsenal
Thomas Frank insists Brentford “fear nobody” ahead of a Premier League clash with London rivals Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s men travel across the capital sitting third in the table, just a point behind leaders Manchester City.
The Bees’ maiden Premier League win came against the Gunners - a 2-0 success in August 2021.
Head coach Frank called on his club’s fans to help secure a repeat result on Saturday evening as his side go in search of a fourth win in five games.
“The team we are facing tomorrow have been on an upward trajectory, but we know we are good at home and fear nobody,” Thomas Frank
“I hope we have a fantastic game and hit a top level - a top Brentford performance.
“The fans need to be absolutely on it from the first minute and I will do my very best to make sure the players are absolutely on it.
“Hopefully we can have a fantastic game and win.”
Aaron Ramsdale set for Arsenal lifeline, but ‘charisma and personality’ won’t be enough
There is no doubt that this is a huge opportunity for Aaron Ramsdale, with David Raya unavailable against his parent club having usurped the England goalkeeper as Arsenal’s number one. Sonia Twigg explores an odd situation that leaves Ramsdale desperate to impress tonight:
Aaron Ramsdale set for Arsenal lifeline, but ‘personality’ won’t be enough
Ramsdale has only played four Premier League matches for Arsenal this season but will return to the starting line-up against Brentford on Saturday
Mikel Arteta vows to maintain referee stance despite FA charge
Mikel Arteta insists he will continue to speak freely on refereeing decisions despite being handed a Football Association charge for comments he made after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.
The Gunners boss labelled VAR’s decision to not overturn Anthony Gordon’s 64th minute winner “an absolute disgrace”.
Arteta, who said that he has submitted observations he made during the match to the FA, highlighted the importance of freedom of speech and believes communication is key if the standards of refereeing are to improve.
Mikel Arteta vows to maintain referee stance despite FA charge
The Gunners boss labelled VAR’s decision to not overturn Anthony Gordon’s 64th minute winner ‘an absolute disgrace’
Brentford vs Arsenal
We’ll have confirmed team news in about half-an-hour, but Brentford will be without Nathan Collins, with the defender injured on international duty with the Republic of Ireland. In better news for Thomas Frank, Keane Lewis-Potter and Shandon Baptiste are both back available.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were hopeful yesterday that both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus would be fit to feature.
Mikel Arteta reveals Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus updates before Brentford clash
Arteta also confirmed that Aaron Ramsdale will start, with David Raya unable to face his parent club
Brentford vs Arsenal
Yes, that lunchtime draw at the Etihad Stadium has opened the door for Arsenal to climb to the top of the table, where they spent so much of last season, of course. After a good recent run, Brentford were a little disappointing up at Anfield in their final fixture before the international break.
Brentford vs Arsenal
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of this evening’s Premier League action as Brentford host Arsenal.
The Bees will be hoping to cause an upset against the Gunners who now know that could finish the day on top of the table should they secure all three points.
Manchester City’s draw with Liverpool means that Mikel Arteta’s side can jump above both if they defeat Brentford away from home.
Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal for the visitors and will hope to impress the boss who continues to favour on loan goalkeeper David Raya.
We’ll have all the team news, updates and match action so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 5.30pm.
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