Noni Madueke’s second-half header put Arsenal in front at Brentford, but Keane Lewis-Potter’s reply ensured the Premier League leaders left west London with a single point.
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, a result that keeps Mikel Arteta’s side top of the Premier League but trims their advantage over Manchester City to four points. Noni Madueke opened the scoring just after the hour, before Keane Lewis-Potter levelled with a close-range header ten minutes later.
Brentford began on the front foot and created the better chances in a first half that was often played in Arsenal territory. Igor Thiago forced the clearest opening, meeting a cross from the right with a powerful header that David Raya had to claw away to his left. The hosts carried a regular threat from corners and long throws, while Arsenal enjoyed periods of possession without finding many accurate final balls before the interval.
Arsenal improved after the break, with a higher tempo in midfield and more consistent use of the wide areas. The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute. Piero Hincapié advanced down the left and delivered a measured cross towards the far post, where Madueke had drifted away from his marker. The winger guided a controlled header back across Caoimhín Kelleher and inside the far corner for his second league goal of the campaign.
Brentford responded quickly. Lewis-Potter first passed up a presentable opportunity when he headed Mathias Jensen’s corner wide from close range. The equaliser, however, followed a familiar route for the home side. A long throw from the right was flicked on at the near post and Lewis-Potter reacted first, sending a firm header beyond Raya from inside the six-yard box in the 71st minute to restore parity.
The final 20 minutes were open. Brentford continued to look dangerous from direct balls and second phases, and Thiago went close again in stoppage time when a loose ball broke his way inside the area, only for his effort to clear the crossbar. Arsenal threatened on the counter and came closest when substitute Gabriel Martinelli broke in behind the defence, but Kelleher advanced to narrow the angle and blocked the low shot.
There was a notable incident late on when Gabriel, already booked, brought down Dango Ouattara as Brentford looked to launch another attack. Home players appealed for a second yellow card, but referee John Brooks opted to issue a final warning and allowed the defender to complete the match.
The draw extends Arsenal’s unbeaten league run and moves them to 57 points from 26 matches, with City four behind after their win at Fulham yesterday evening. Brentford remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification places and can point to another competitive performance against one of the division’s leading sides, built on intensity out of possession and continued strength at set pieces.