Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League table has continued to slip as Thomas Frank’s Bees fight Mikel Arteta’s Gunners to a draw.
Arsenal’s lead, which seemed secure until recently, is now in question. After a shocking defeat at the hands of relegation zone side Everton last week, the Gunners now drop another two points today at the hands of Brentford.
Arsenal struggled to seize upon any chances in the first half, ending the first 45′ scoreless. Their prospects improved as the second half got underway culminating in a a beautiful cross by Saka to setup Leandro Trossard’s first Premier League goal in the 66th minute.
The Gunners’ chances would be dashed from a team effort by Brentford’s front line as a series of headers resulted in Ivan Toney putting the equalizer in the back of the net. The rest of the match would be defined by Arsenal not being able to turn their domination of possession into viable opportunities. Toney would ultimately come off due to an injury in the final minute of stoppage time and would be replaced by Kevin Schade. Schade who Brentford recently signed from German club Freiburg, was booked for a rough foul in his sole minute on the pitch. Final score Arsenal 1-1 Brentford.
Lad of the Match: Ivan Toney (Brentford #17)
The State of the Title Race
Todays draw at the Emirates Stadium now means there’s only a 6 point gap between Arsenal and their 2nd place rival Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s Man City, who foiled Arsenal’s FA Cup run in the 4th Round in January, have been seeking to close the gap on the Gunners and defend their league title. The two sides will clash at the Emirates on Wednesday in a high stakes match which could define the season.
Arsenal are running out of breathing room at the top of the table, with Man City ready to unseat them, as well as Manchester United and Newcastle in the hunt, the next few weeks could prove decisive.