EPL: ARSENAL HELD TO 1-1 DRAW BY BRENTFORD AS TITLE RACE HEATS UP

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Arsenal failed to stretch their Premier League advantage to six points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Thursday, a result that keeps Manchester City firmly in the title picture.

Noni Madueke gave the league leaders the breakthrough just after the hour mark, but Brentford responded through Keane Lewis-Potter to earn a deserved share of the spoils.

The draw leaves Arsenal four points clear at the summit as they chase a first league crown in 22 years. However, Mikel Arteta’s side still face a crucial trip to second-placed City in the remaining 12 fixtures.

The point strengthens Brentford’s push for a first-ever qualification for European competition, with the Bees sitting seventh. Keith Andrews’ men have now lost just twice at home all season and Arsenal were fortunate to avoid what would have been only their fourth league defeat of the campaign.

David Raya produced a superb save against his former club in the first half, clawing away a powerful header from Igor Thiago.

Arsenal were without William Saliba and Kai Havertz due to illness and injury, but Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka returned to the bench.

Arteta introduced Odegaard at the break and Arsenal emerged with renewed purpose. Their pressure paid off when Madueke rose at the back post to head Piero Hincapie’s cross beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.

However, Arsenal appeared content to protect their lead rather than press for a second goal, allowing Brentford to grow into the contest.

Thiago again tested Raya as the hosts built momentum, while Lewis-Potter wasted a clear opportunity when he headed wide from a corner.

Although Arsenal’s set-piece strength has been key to their title charge, they struggled to contain Brentford’s threat from dead-ball situations.

The equaliser came from a long throw by Michael Kayode into the box. Sepp van den Berg flicked it on and Lewis-Potter beat Odegaard to head home.

Brentford looked the more likely winners in the closing stages. Cristhian Mosquera produced a crucial last-ditch challenge to deny Thiago, who later fired narrowly over in stoppage time with a chance to claim his 18th league goal of the season.

Arsenal also had a late opportunity to snatch victory, but Kelleher rushed off his line to deny Gabriel Martinelli.