Arsenal defeated Brentford 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to go top of the Premier League, a point clear of Liverpool, who host Manchester City on Sunday.
Kai Havertz’s late header secured the vital 2-1 win for Arsenal and spared Aaron Ramsdale’s embarrassment in the game.
Ramsdale’s disastrous error that saw Yoane Wissa equalise late in the first half looked as if it might cost Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s huge title showdown between Liverpool and City at Anfield.
However, Havertz delivered with a header late on, just as he did in the reverse fixture in November, to take Arsenal a point clear of Liverpool and two of City with their eighth consecutive league win.
Declan Rice had headed Arsenal in front after 19 minutes following a bright start from the hosts but saw his goal cancelled out by Wissa as he capitalised on Ramsdale dawdling in possession.
Brentford fought hard to stay in the game but eventually caved and are just five points above the relegation zone as their winless run stretches to five games.
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Brentford manager Thomas Frank said Havertz should have been sent off before scoring the winner for an apparent dive in the final half hour, having already been booked for an elbow earlier in the game.
“It is a clear dive. That should have been a second yellow and a red card. And then he wouldn’t have been able to score a winner,” Frank said.
On his part, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “A special day. Really top opponent in front of us. Conceding the goal made life more difficult, it was a beautiful challenge in the second half, but we were so insistent and determined.
“That’s the courage Aaron has. His personality. Mistakes are part of football. I’m so happy for him and we won the game.
“You have to win every game with the level you have. I’m really pleased with what we’ve done.
“The whole game, the way the stadium and fans reacted and pushed the team. The noise, energy, passion in every ball is just a joy to be there. The supporters are fully behind the team with every ball, thank you so much.
“The hardest thing in elite sport is to play every three days and train every day at an elite standard. The willingness within the team is phenomenal.”
Arsenal host FC Porto in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, aiming to overturn a one-goal deficit.
Arsenal then face title rivals Manchester City after the international break on Sunday, March 31.
Brentford, on the other hand, head to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, March 16.
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