Odegaard and Jesus available, White to see – Arteta
Arsenal went top of the Premier League as Kai Havertz scored a late winner at Brentford.
After a draw between Manchester City and Liverpool opened the door for Arsenal to take top spot, it looked for so long that it would be a night to forget for Mikel Arteta’s side as they struggled to break down the home side’s resolute defence.
But a bit of Bukayo Saka’s brilliance put a goal on the plate for Havertz and the German curled a low header past Mark Flecken to grab a 1-0 win.
The visitors were just out of first gear on a chilly night in London and failed to create many clear-cut chances, while Aaron Ramsdale – who was an out-of-sorts David Raya in goal – endured a few nervy moments at the other end.
Declan Rice spared his keeper blushes with the last goal of the first half, while Oleksandr Zinchenko also got a timely clearance off the line to ensure Ramsdale’s goal was not breached.
And that allowed Xhaka and Havertz to combine to secure three points that take Arteta’s men above the defending champions and Liverpool top of the Premier League after 13 games.
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Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s hero but under-pressure Aaron Ramsdale fails to impress
Brentford remained determined in their tactics and pressing, bringing the game to a near standstill at times. It looked to be heading for a goalless draw before Havertz headed into the back of the net from close range to secure all three points for the Gunners in the 89th minute and ensure they finish top of the table for the first time this season the weekend.
Long breaks accompanied every set-piece and neither team dominated the game until the inspired decision to swap Gabriel Martinelli for Havertz paid off in the dying minutes.
Ahead of the winner, much of the focus was on Ramsdale, who had not started in goal since September 7, but with David Raya not fit to face his parent club, he was given a rare chance to impress.
Mike JonesNovember 25, 2023 7:54 p.m
Arteta on Aaron Ramsdale’s performance
Mikel Arteta was rather blunt in his post-match response to a question about whether Aaron Ramsdale has done enough to return to Arsenal’s starting line-up.
The Gunners boss replied: βThis is football. I am very happy with the team and the way we are playing. We take zero and move on.”
Arteta added that Ramsdale seemingly grew into the match in the second half and praised his courage to come back from a shaky start.
“Courage, he has great courage and great personality and that’s why we love him,” said the Spaniard.
Mike Jones25 November 2023 20:07
And Thomas Frank also talks to TNT Sports
“Of course it is [hard to take], a difficult in this beautiful game. We lost a game where we did so many things right. It should have been a draw – there were two big chances for each team. We managed to keep them very, very quiet throughout the game, we managed to keep Saka and Martinelli quiet. Saka had a fantastic moment refereeing the game. Any team could win it.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get our moments. It was another good performance from us – we played 13 games and had 12 good performances.”
Harry Latham-CoyleNovember 25, 2023 7:55 p.m
Mikel Arteta offers his reaction
“It’s great, we’re so happy,” the Arsenal manager tells TNT Sports. “The team played extremely well. We should have scored a lot earlier than that, but it’s very hard to come by. I thought we showed great resilience and were patient when we needed to be.
“Pleased [for Kai Havertz]. You can tell from the reaction of the rest of the team how much they love him. He won the game for us.
“I am very happy with the team and the way it performed. I think the team was excellent today. You need moments to get your way, nice margins to win the game. We are exactly where we want to be and that shows that the team is in a very good position. It’s a dream to work with them.”
Harry Latham-CoyleNovember 25, 2023 7:50 p.m
FT: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
This was a fine touch from the Arsenal players in regular time as they navigated Aaron Ramsdale after a relatively difficult night to continue a difficult season. The keeper looked properly shaken at one point in the first half but – with a little help from Declan Rice and Oleksandr Zinchenko – kept Brentford scoreless.
Harry Latham-CoyleNovember 25, 2023 19:44
FT: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal are thus top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Manchester City and two ahead of Liverpool. Tottenham will move into second place with Manchester City if they beat Aston Villa in another mouth-watering clash tomorrow.
A valuable three points for Mikel Arteta to take back to London. Brentford have an excellent record on their own patch and they deserve huge credit for how well they performed given the injuries they are dealing with, but it wasn’t enough to hold on for a point.
Harry Latham-CoyleNovember 25, 2023 19:38
Kai Havertz on his late goal
“It feels amazing. I have worked hard for these moments and I am happy to help the team in this. It was a great goal and a great pass. We’ve trained this routine quite a bit – Bukayo loves playing this ball.
“Football is always hard work. Nothing comes by itself, you have to work and keep your faith. The last two months have been difficult for me, but I tried to put my ego aside because the team comes first. I am so thankful for the fans. It’s always difficult when they pay a lot of money for you, but I’m grateful to them for continuing to support me.”
Harry Latham-CoyleNovember 25, 2023 7:30 p.m
FT: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal
Far from a classic, but Arsenal won’t mind too much – they go top of the Premier League thanks to Kai Havertz’s late winner. The visitors were puffing and puffing for so long, comfortably below their best against a determined Brentford, but a bit of quality from Bukayo Saka was enough to give Havertz a simple header and Arsenal the three points.
Aaron Ramsdale appeared to heave a serious sigh of relief as the whistle blew. Two big mistakes from the keeper, but it’s a clean sheet.
Harry Latham-CoyleNovember 25, 2023 19:27
Brentford 0-1 Arsenal, 90 + 5 minutes
A long shot goes in but Aaron Ramsdale gathers…and that will be it!
Harry Latham-Coyle25 November 2023 19:24