Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result and final score after late Kai Havertz goal
Arsenal 2-1 Brentford: Havertz was the hero as the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League table ahead of Liverpool vs Man City
Kai Havertz headed Arsenal back to the top of the table as he finally broke Brentford’s stubborn resistance to claim an eighth successive Premier League win.
Havertz’s 86th-minute goal, his fourth in as many league outings, sealed a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium in a game which remained in the balance until the final whistle after keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s error had gifted the Bees an equaliser.
Ramsdale’s blunder in first-half stoppage time allowed Yoanne Wissa to cancel out Declan Rice’s opener, but Havertz struck with four minutes remaining to leave the Gunners in pole position ahead of Sunday’s mouth-watering clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.
Follow live updates from Arsenal vs Brentford in today’s match blog, and get all the latest match odds and tips, here:
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka set to feature for Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was “positive” both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will be fit to face Brentford
The Gunners continued their winning run in the Premier League as they thrashed Sheffield United 6-0 on Monday night.
But Saka was withdrawn at half time with the England international “feeling ill” before Martinelli hobbled off in the second half after picking up a “slight cut” to his right foot.
“We are pretty positive they can be part of the squad but we’ll have to see,” Arteta said on Friday.
Arteta backs Ramsdale ahead of Arsenal return
Mikel Arteta on Aaron Ramsdale:
“He’s trained very well and he’s desperate to play, like all of the other boys, and it will be a great day for him on Saturday.
“He has been brilliant, he’s really supportive and pushes in training. It’s a joy to have two top goalkeepers.
“One of the toughest things is dealing with players who don’t have the amount of time (on the pitch) which they deserve.
“We have an unbelievable group of players and we try to be straight with them and explain to them by giving them the support.
“When they get the opportunity at the end they try to contribute in the best possible way and that’s what Aaron will do.”
Aaron Ramsdale to start for Arsenal
There will be a rare start for Aaron Ramsdale today with David Raya unable to face his parent club.
With the Spanish goalkeeper firmly Arteta’s No 1, it could be Ramsdale’s final Arsenal game - if he decides to look elsewhere in the summer.
The England goalkeeper has not played since the 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup third round, while his last Premeir League apperance was in the 1-0 win at Brentford in November.
Arteta picks up Premier League award
Mikel Arteta has been named Premier League manager of the month for February.
Arsenal’s record last month was played four, won four - while scoring 18 goals.
They beat Liverpool at home and recorded 6-0 and 5-0 wins away from home.
Arteta said: “It’s a great honour in this league to get recognised in this way so I want to say thank you to the team and the staff for always being supportive and making this happen.”
Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
23 December 2023.
Arsenal claimed a point at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League heading into Christmas.
But after losing back-to-back games to West Ham and Fulham, Arsenal would enter the New Year in fourth.
Now after trip to Dubai and a seven-game winning run, they’ve got the change to return to the top ahead of Liverpool facing City tomorow.
It’s a three-way fight, after all.
Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
Get the latest match odds, here
Arsenal vs Brentford predictions: Premier League tips, betting odds & free bets
Arsenal can go top of the table with an eighth straight league win when they host Brentford on Saturday
Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
Odds
Arsenal: 2/9
Draw: 11/2
Brentford: 10/1
Prediction
Arsenal 4-1 Brentford
Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Kiwior; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havetrz, Martinelli
Brentford: Flekken; Jorgensen, Ajer, Collins; Roerslev, Jensen; Norgaard, Janelt, Reguillon; Toney, Wissa
Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
What is the team news?
Gabriel Martinelli picked up a “slight cut” in the 6-0 win against Sheffield United, while Bukayo Saka had to be taken off at half-time due to illness but Arteta said he is “pretty positive” both will be involved. Arteta will have to make at least one change to his team, with goalkeeper David Raya unable to face his parent club. Aaron Ramsdale will replace him.
Brentford have been rocked by injuries in recent weeks, especially in defence with all of Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock, Aaron Sickey and Rico Henry out, as well as Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade.
Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
When is Arsenal vs Brentford?
The match will kick-off at 5:30pm GMT on Saturday 9 March at the Emirates Stadium.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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