Premier League: Arsenal held by Brentford as title race tightens at the top
Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions suffered a setback after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Brentford side at the Gtech Community Stadium, missing the opportunity to restore a six-point advantage at the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta’s men were tested by a Brentford team pushing strongly for European qualification, and they began the contest nervously with Manchester City applying pressure following their win over Fulham.
Goalkeeper David Raya was forced into early action, producing a sharp save to deny Igor Thiago after a poor clearance almost proved costly.
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Brentford impressed in possession during the opening period, while Arsenal struggled to create meaningful chances despite dominating the ball late in the first half. The visitors went into the break without registering a single shot on target in what proved to be a lacklustre attacking display.
The game eventually sprang to life shortly after the hour mark when Arsenal took the lead. Piero Hincapié delivered a precise cross from the left that found Noni Madueke, who rose above his marker to power a header beyond Caoimhín Kelleher.
However, Brentford responded positively and found an equaliser ten minutes later. Sepp van den Berg flicked on a long throw, allowing Keane Lewis-Potter to head home at the far post and restore parity.
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The hosts grew in confidence thereafter, troubling Arsenal’s defence with direct set-piece deliveries.
Thiago came close to snatching victory for Brentford but was denied by a crucial sliding tackle from Cristhian Mosquera.
Both sides pushed for a winner in an intense closing period, with opportunities falling at either end before the match ended level.
The result tightens the title race, bringing Manchester City within four points of Arsenal at the summit, while Brentford remain firmly in contention for European qualification, sitting seventh and just two points behind Liverpool.
