The latest match of the 26th round of the Premier League between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium took place with a tight match as predicted.
In the context that Manchester City just defeated Fulham to closely follow the top spot, Mikel Arteta's team traveled to Brentford's stronghold with the goal of being forced to win to widen the gap.
Despite holding the ball 60%, Arsenal still faced countless difficulties against Brentford's continuous pressing style and disciplined defense system. The absence of Kai Havertz due to injury made The Gunners' attack lack a connecting link, even though Viktor Gyokeres has returned to the starting lineup.
Arsenal missed the opportunity to break through in the championship race when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford. In the first 45 minutes, the away team created a rather modest expected goal score (xG), only 0.12. Even, if it weren't for goalkeeper David Raya's miraculous save in the 22nd minute after Igor Thiago's header, Arsenal's net could have been shaken early.
After the break, the "Gunners" pushed up the speed and finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute. Defender Piero Hincapie launched an accurate cross from the left wing for newcomer Noni Madueke to jump high and head dangerously, defeating goalkeeper Kelleher. This is Madueke's 15th goal in the tournament, partly helping Arsenal relieve psychological pressure.
However, the joy of the away team did not last long. In the 71st minute, Brentford equalized with Arsenal's familiar weapon, a set piece. From Michael Kayode's powerful throw-in, Sepp van den Berg headed intelligently for Keane Lewis-Potter to rush in and finish from close range, equalizing the score 1-1 to the surprise of Arsenal's defense.
The last 20 minutes witnessed a tense attack. In the 88th minute, Arsenal was startled when Igor Thiago faced the goalkeeper, but young center-back Cristhian Mosquera promptly tackled and made a spectacular save right in front of the opponent's toes.
In the opposite direction, Arsenal also had a chance to decide the match in the third minute of injury time, but Gabriel Martinelli's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Kelleher.
The 1-1 draw keeps Arsenal at the top, but the gap with Manchester City is only 3 points. Meanwhile, 1 point is a worthy reward for Brentford's resilient fighting spirit.
