Arsenal 2-1 Brentford (9 Mar, 2024) Game Analysis

Arsenal's Kai Havertz scored a late winner to put them top of the Premier League despite goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale's calamitous first-half error in a 2-1 home win over Brentford on Saturday, as the Gunners recorded an eighth consecutive league victory.

The hard-fought victory puts Arsenal in provisional first place with 64 points, one point ahead of Liverpool and two ahead of Manchester City – who face each other at Anfield on Sunday.

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Declan Rice's header from Ben White's cross gave Arsenal the lead after 19 minutes as the hosts dominated early possession at the Emirates.

Brentford equalized against the run of play just before half-time as Ramsdale hung around in their box and Yoane Wissa's sliding challenge sent an attempted clearance into the net.

The goalkeeper, making his first league start since November in place of ineligible Brentford loanee David Raya, made amends with two good saves, catching Ivan Toney's long-range effort and making tilt the head of Nathan Collins.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta praised Ramsdale's performance after his error, praising the England goalkeeper's “immense personality and courage”.

A mistake is part of football, it's how to react to it [that matters]”It's probably the most difficult position, especially for goalkeepers,” he told reporters.

Arsenal pressed for the winner and Rice rattled the woodwork 15 minutes from time with a curling effort from outside the area that left goalkeeper Mark Flekken stranded.

Havertz headed home in the 86th minute after another superb display from White to give Arsenal a deserved victory, meaning the Gunners will finish the weekend in at least second place and could stay ahead on the difference of goals if Liverpool and City draw.

Brentford remained 15th, five points above 18th-placed Luton Town and the relegation zone after playing a game more.

Bees manager Thomas Frank felt his team were unlucky to lose after an excellent defensive performance.

“It’s hard, phew, it’s hard,” he told reporters. “I actually feel even more for the players. Incredible mentality, effort and determination.”

Frank was particularly frustrated that Havertz was the match-winner after the German striker, on a yellow card, went down in the box in the 65th minute under minimal contact from Collins, which Frank said was a clear dive.