A late Kai Havertz header broke Brentford's stubborn resistance, as Arsenal beat the Bees 1-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.
The Action: The first half was a cagey affair with Thomas Frank's Bees seemingly happy to absorb Arsenal pressure and pick their moments to attack.
One of the backstories ahead of the game concerned Aaron Ramsdale coming back into Arsenal's line-up, due to the ineligibility of Brentford loanee David Raya, and Ramsdale was a nervy presence, almost gifting the ball to Bryan Mbeumo on one occasion with an aborted throw.
Gabriel Jesus was bright up front for the visitors and the Brazilian saw a number of half chances flash wide, but in truth the Gunners had to wait until the final moments of the half for their best chance - Arsenal taking the lead on the stroke of half-time, only for VAR to intervene.
After a well-worked throw had opened up the hosts' defence, the ball reached Bukayo Saka on the edge of the box - the England man's cross met by Jesus' header which forced Brentford keeper Mark Flekken to palm the ball into the air for Leandro Trossard to head home.
The subsequent VAR check, however, showed that Trossard was inches ahead of Jesus at the time of the Brazilian's headed effort and the goal was chalked off.
More of the same
The second period started with both sides showing some attacking intent, Brentford forward Mbeumo screwing wide on 51 minutes after being released by Yoann Wissa's smart through ball.
A familiar pattern re-emerged, however, with Brentford content to patrol their box and allow Arsenal to probe in their final third.
To Thomas Frank's credit, Brentford did make positive substitutions with 20 minutes left on the clock with Neal Maupay and Shandon Baptiste thrown into the fray.
Maupay made an almost instantaneous impact and came close to putting his side ahead on 76 minutes. Mbeumo did some great work on the right before floating a cross to the back post that his French strike partner met with a firm header - only for Aleksandr Zinchenko to make a fantastic block on his own goal-line.
With the final whistle looming, Arsenal remained patient as Brentford clearly tired - and a classy goal from Arsenal sub Kai Havertz broke the deadlock on 88 minutes.
The ball was worked to Saka on the edge of the box and his inviting cross curled onto the head of Havertz, who made no mistake with his header.
xG: Brentford (1.25) 0-1 (1.57) Arsenal
0-1 | ||
Kai Havertz 89' |
