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Noni Madueke’s goal cancelled by Lewis-Potter as Gunners drop two points
London
Arsenal squandered the opportunity to go six points clear at the top of the Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium.
The hosts started strongly, dominating possession in the first half, though David Raya was forced into a sharp save from Igor Thiago early on. Arsenal’s defence appeared shaky without William Saliba, with Gabriel conceding a corner and almost gifting a goal through a miscontrolled backpass. Manager Mikel Arteta handed Eberechi Eze his first league start of 2026, but the forward was largely ineffective and replaced by captain Martin Odegaard at halftime.
Arsenal improved after the break, taking the lead in the 61st minute when Noni Madueke rose above Rico Henry to head Piero Hincapie’s cross into the net. Brentford responded ten minutes later: Michael Kayode’s long throw found Keane Lewis-Potter, who thundered a header into the top corner to equalise.
Arsenal nearly regained the lead late, with Viktor Gyokeres denied by a last-ditch tackle from Kayode and Cristhian Mosquera blocking a Thiago attempt. Caoimhin Kelleher also denied Gabriel Martinelli in a one-on-one chance, ensuring the draw.
The point lifts Arsenal to 57 from 26 games, four ahead of Manchester City, while Brentford remain seventh on 40 points, keeping European qualification hopes alive. Arteta stressed that despite the draw, Arsenal must maintain focus and consistency in the remaining fixtures to secure the title.
