Premier League (PL) leaders Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Emirates Stadium, leaving the Gunners without a win in three matches in all competitions.
Looking to respond after suffering their first PL defeat since September last time out, the hosts were nearly caught cold inside the opening five minutes, but Rico Henry failed to convert Ivan Toney’s teasing cross, firing a long way wide of Aaron Ramsdale’s goal.
Mikel Arteta’s men would eventually settle into their possession game, but were struggling to break down the Bees’ rearguard, meaning David Raya was comfortable for large portions of the first half.
Once more it was the visitors who appeared more threatening when they did venture forward. Deadly striking duo Bryan Mbeumo and Toney were on the same wavelength again to give Arsenal another scare, but Toney was the man denied this time, as his effort rattled the bar.
With little sign of improvement in his side’s performance, Arteta turned to his bench, swapping Gabriel Martinelli for January signing Leandro Trossard. The change had an immediate impact, as just four minutes after coming on, the Belgian arrived at the back post to convert Bukayo Saka’s brilliant cross and break the deadlock.
Euphoria at the Emirates would last just eight minutes though, as the Bees grabbed a well-earned leveller. A set-piece delivery into the Arsenal box created chaos that was never dealt with, allowing Christian Nørgaard to square for Toney, who couldn’t possibly miss from close range.
Late Arsenal pressure for a winner was brilliantly handled by the visitors, who held firm for a draw. Remarkably, they’ve now won 12 points from a possible 21 against ‘Big Six’ opposition this term, as they ended the Gunners’ seven-match winning run in PL London derbies.