LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates after teammate Kai Havertz scores his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on March 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Kai Havertz struck late in the second half as Arsenal moved top of the Premier League table after defeating Brentford 2-1 on Saturday night.
Gunners coach Mikel Arteta was forced to make two changes for the clash as Aaron Ramsdale replaced David Raya, who couldn't play against parent club while Gabriel Martinelli missed out thruogh injury and was replaced by Leandro Trossard.The home sid got the breakthrough in the 19th minute when Declan Rice netted for the second game running by heading home a cross from Ben White.
While the Bees struggled to carve out chances at the other end, the Gunners could have bagged a second goal midway through the first period but Kai Havertz sent his effort wide of the mark.
Brentford, however, silenced the Emirates Stadium just before the break when Yoane Wissa closed down Ramsdale who was taking too long to release the ball and deflected the ball into an unguarded net.
The hosts went close to pulling ahead ten minutes after the break when Ivan Toney spotted Ramsdale off his line from distance and unleashd a powerful strike, however the Gunners goalkeeper rushed back and made finger-tip save.
While Arsenal were finding it tough to carve out chances, Brentford neearly went up the other end and went ahead via the head of Nathan Collins, but Ramsdale produced a great save to keep the score level.
The woodwork came to Brentford's rescue at the other end when Rice saw his curling strike from distance crack the frame of the goal.
The Gunners were not to be denied in the final five minutes when Kai Havertz got ahead of his marker to node home a cross from White to seal the win and top spot on the night.
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