Arsenal Held by Brentford as Manchester City Gain Ground in Title Race

Arsenal were denied the opportunity to extend their Premier League lead to six points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Thursday evening — a result that hands fresh encouragement to Manchester City in the title race.

The Gunners remain four points clear at the summit as they pursue a first league crown in 22 years. However, with a crucial trip to second-placed City still to come in the final 12 matches of the campaign, the title contest remains finely poised.

Brentford Earn Deserved Point

Noni Madueke gave Arsenal the lead shortly after the hour mark, but Brentford — who have been formidable at home this season — responded through Keane Lewis-Potter to secure a deserved share of the spoils.

The point strengthens Brentford’s push for European qualification, with Keith Andrews’ side sitting seventh and having suffered just two home defeats all season.

Indeed, Arsenal could consider themselves fortunate to avoid only their fourth league defeat of the campaign.

Raya Denies Former Club

The first half saw Brentford create the clearer opportunities. David Raya, facing his former club, produced a superb save to claw away Igor Thiago’s powerful header — the standout chance before the interval.

Arsenal were without William Saliba and Kai Havertz due to illness and injury respectively, though the return of Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka to the bench provided a timely boost.

Sensing the need for greater control, Mikel Arteta introduced Ødegaard at half-time, and the visitors emerged with renewed purpose.

Madueke Strikes — but Arsenal Retreat

Arsenal’s improved intensity paid dividends when Madueke rose highest at the back post to head Piero Hincapié’s cross beyond Caoimhín Kelleher.

However, rather than pressing home their advantage, Arsenal appeared content to protect their lead — a decision that invited Brentford back into the contest.

Thiago again tested Raya as the hosts grew in confidence, while Lewis-Potter squandered a golden opportunity when he headed wide from a corner despite being completely unmarked.

Set-Piece Strength Turns Against Arsenal

Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces has been central to their title charge this season. On this occasion, however, they struggled to cope with Brentford’s aerial threat.

The equaliser arrived from one of Michael Kayode’s long throws into the penalty area. Sepp van den Berg flicked on, and Lewis-Potter stole in ahead of Ødegaard to nod home.

Buoyed by the leveller, Brentford were the more threatening side in the closing stages.

Cristhian Mosquera produced a vital last-ditch challenge to deny Thiago, who later came closest to winning it in stoppage time but fired inches over with the goal at his mercy.

Arsenal also had a late opportunity to snatch victory when Gabriel Martinelli was denied by Kelleher, who raced off his line to make a crucial save.

Title Race Intensifies

While Arsenal remain in control at the top, the dropped points provide Manchester City with renewed belief as the run-in approaches.

With a pivotal clash between the two sides still to come, the title race promises further twists in the weeks ahead.