When Arsenal’s players failed to regain their six-point lead over Manchester City after a 1-1 draw at Brentford, Mikel Arteta stated he was left hoping the team would not lose in the closing minutes.
The goal from Noni Madueke in the 61st minute seemed to put Arsenal on track for a vital win. Ten minutes later, though, Brentford recovered as Keane Lewis-Potter scored from a long throw by Michael Kayode.
After a brilliant sliding block by Cristhian Mosquera prevented Igor Thiago from scoring in stoppage time, Brentford’s top scorer subsequently blasted over after David Raya’s goal was clean through. But in a wild finish to the game, Gabriel Martinelli may have won it for Arsenal but was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher.
“We scored the goal and the game was under total control,” Arteta added, referring to Brentford’s continual threat from long throws and corners. That is insufficient against them, though, as they just require an unnecessary foul, a ball in the channel, a push from them, a poor clearing, or a throw-in. You then have to hope for the best since they are really excellent at what they do.
Lewis-Potter header earns Brentford point to deny leaders Arsenal
When Lewis-Potter ducked past Jurriën Timber at the beginning of the second half, it was a heart-stopping moment for Arsenal, and Gabriel had to get in quickly to stop Igor Thiago’s shot. After an hour, they were still unable to generate a shot on goal despite their continuing efforts to stall Brentford, with Ødegaard’s attempt going straight into the stands. The Brentford supporters jeered, “You’re laughing; you’re top of the league.”
Less than a minute later, Madueke—who isn’t exactly known for his ability to head—rose to meet Piero Hincapié’s superb cross and sent his header over a defenceless Kelleher, putting an end to their teasing. When the game finally came alive, Lewis-Potter had a chance to equalise almost instantly from a corner but missed.
Van den Berg’s flick-on, which would have made a certain Steve Bould pleased, was followed by Lewis-Potter’s equaliser when the Italian’s long throw, fittingly, created panic in the Arsenal penalty area. As Arsenal supporters worried about whether this season would have a dismal turn of events, the exuberant Brentford supporters sang, “Set-piece FC.”
