SUB Kai Havertz stooped to head patient Arsenal top of the Premier League with a late winner at Brentford.
But despite that being his first goal in open play for the Gunners, it’s possible Aaron Ramsdale was even more relieved – as the Arsenal keeper got away with a blunder on his recall
GettyAaron Ramsdale clears from Brentford’s Yoane Wissa on his return in goal for Arsenal but also made a blunder that could have proved costly[/caption]
ReutersKai Havertz salutes his late winner 10 minutes after coming on[/caption]
William Saliba was the top performer in the Gunners’ defenceRex
Mikel Arteta’s men had pressed in vain until Havertz drifted in to calmly nod home Bukayo Saka‘s deep cross.
Here’s how the Gunners rated at the Gtech Community Stadium after they went one point clear of champions Manchester City.
AARON RAMSDALE – 5
Playing his first Prem game in almost three months, he got away with an almighty cock-up trying to play out from the back early on and looked so nervous after that. Knew he was going to be under intense scrutiny but at least he came away with a clean sheet.
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 6
His extra height came in useful at the back but he wasn’t able to supply the attacking assistance to Saka which Arsenal usually expect from their right-back. Solid enough defensively, which was his main job.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Primed for the aerial bombardment and he wasn’t disappointed. Relished the challenge and was able to deal with everything that was thrown into the box. Always seemed to have time on the ball and never looked flustered.
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6
Just the no-nonsense defender Arsenal needed to counter Brentford’s physical forwards. Rolled his sleeves up and wasn’t afraid to put his foot through the ball to clear his lines when necessary.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 6
Brentford targeted him with long balls into his corner of the pitch but he was always alert to the danger. Decent in possession as always and put in a couple of testing crosses. Great goal-line clearance to deny Maupay.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5
The skipper looked rusty after his recent lay-off and it took him a long time to get involved. Flitted in and out of the game but couldn’t get his radar working when Arteta would have been hoping for so much more.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Crucial goal-line clearance to save Ramsdale’s bacon and was Arsenal’s most effective player against Brentford’s ‘industrial’ approach. Constantly driving the team forward and hardly wasted a pass all afternoon.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
A surprise starter in midfield, he was able to drift into dangerous positions from deep but couldn’t come up with a finishing touch. Thought he’d finally cracked it when he headed home from a yard out but VAR showed he was millimetres offside.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6
Very quiet by his usual standards. Couldn’t fault his effort and was always showing for the ball but he just couldn’t find a way through a Brentford penalty-area more crowded than Waterloo station in rush hour.
Finally came up with the goods with the 88th minute cross for Havertz’s winning goal.
GABRIEL JESUS – 5
Struggled to shake off the giant Pinnock and when he did manage to break free he was unable to find a way past keeper Flekken. Should have buried Saka’s cross before Trossard’s follow-up was ruled out for offside.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Always looking to take on the Brentford defence but constantly found himself running into a brick wall in the congested penalty area. Like Jesus, he looked jaded after his recent jaunt to Brazil. Booked.
Martin Odegaard prompted the Gunners in their London derbyGetty
SUBS
Eddie Nketiah (for Jesus 65mins) Brought some fresh energy up front but couldn’t force a breakthrough. 5
Kai Havertz (for Martinelli 79mins) Arsenal’s unlikely hero, his first goal from open play since his £65million move from Chelsea was enough to take the Gunners top of the table. 7
Ben White (for Odegaard 93mins) Not on long enough to make a difference 5
Jorginho (for Saka 93mins) Not on long enough to make a difference. 5.