November 25, (THEWILL) – Arsenal returned to the top of the English Premier League after Kai Havertz came off the bench to score for a late 1-0 victory away at Brentford. The German striker, headed home in the 89th minute to give the Gunners all three points.
The result comes after title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at lunchtime. Arsenal knew that victory in west London would see them hit the summit for the first time since May 2022, when their title bid ultimately fizzled out.
It looked like a frustrating afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s men as Brentford defended superbly. Arsenal goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, endured a difficult first league start since September, nearly giving the home side an early goal but for a Declan Rice goal-line clearance.
The Gunners did have chances of their own, with Gabriel Jesus going close on a couple of occasions, but they lacked a clinical edge for large periods. Brentford threatened through Bryan Mbeumo, Yegor Yarmoliuk and substitute Neal Maupay without finding a breakthrough.
Ultimately, it was Havertz who made the difference. Just minutes after coming on, the German guided Bukayo Saka’s pinpoint cross into the far corner to spark celebrations amongst Arsenal’s travelling contingent.
