Mikel Arteta will be aware that this victory—obtained by substitute Kai Havertz’s late header—may be invaluable, regardless of what happens to Arsenal this season.
As the game approached the 89th minute, a dismal performance against a dedicated Brentford team that had seen Aaron Ramsdale have a wobbly comeback between the posts appeared to be coming to an end. Havertz’s time in north London began with a rough start, but he cemented his legacy at Arsenal with a stunning finish to a cross from Bukayo Saka at the far post. After a tough evening that had strained his goalkeeper’s nerves, Arteta’s team wins and tops the table for the first time this season. The manager celebrated with a fist pump after the final whistle.
Since Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard returned to Arsenal’s starting lineup for the first time in five weeks, Ramsdale made his first Premier League debut since the beginning of September because David Raya was unable to play against his parent club. Mikel Arteta’s team was even more motivated to win after Manchester City’s stalemate with Liverpool, even though Brentford had not triumphed here since falling to Arsenal in the EFL Cup over two months prior and are usually a formidable threat at home.
By slicing a clearance out of play, Ramsdale displayed some early nervousness, but only the England goalkeeper will know what went through his head after trying to take a goal kick with Gabriel. Yoane Wissa moved quickly to close him down, and as the Brentford forward approached, Ramsdale appeared to panic. The ball fell into Bryan Mbeumo’s path, and Declan Rice expertly stopped his shot on the line. To the relief of Ramsdale, Wissa missed the rebound with a stab. With scornful joy, the Brentford supporters sang, “You’re just a shit, David Raya.”