Arsenal failed to claim what would have been a vital three points away to Brentford, with Noni Madueke’s header cancelled out by Lewis Keane-Potter’s finish from close range. Mikel Arteta’s side now sit only four points clear of second-placed Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s outfit closing on the leaders.

After an abject first half, Arteta clearly gave his side some stern words as they returned for the second 45 minutes with renewed vigour. On the hour mark, Madueke popped up with an unlikely header to open the scoring. But the visitors were undone by a long throw, one of several that caused them problems, as Keane-Potter pounced on a Sepp van den Berg flick-on. Set-pieces, where Arsenal have dominated most teams, proved to be their undoing at the Gtech in a taste of their own medicine. Here, Express Sport rates the Arsenal performances…

Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper

Made a stunning save to deny Igor Thiago in the first half, redeeming his own error after throwing the ball straight to Brentford. He blocked the Brazilian’s effort from close range, too, in the second period, but could not do anything about Lewis-Potter’s goal.

Ran into promising positions going forward but too often was not found. A difficult task up against Dango Ouattara.

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Stepped in for the absent William Saliba well and made a host of vital interventions. Recovered impressively to deny Thiago late on after initially misjudging the flight of the ball.

Came up clutch in the 68th minute to deny Brentford’s promising attack, but could not dominate both boxes from set-pieces as we have become accustomed to. Risked a second yellow card with a foul on Dango in the closing stages.

His looping cross provided the assist for Madueke’s goal and he is growing into his left-back role with every appearance.

Found himself in some good positions going forward but the Arsenal midfield was too easily carved through when Brentford began pushing.

A quieter game from the midfielder as Brentford managed to stifle Rice’s typical influence. Made a vital late interception to deny Brentford.

Completely absent and was on the fringe of the only half of football he played before being hooked for Martin Odegaard. Arteta clearly wants to see more from his £67.5million summer signing.

Seized his opportunity with Bukayo Saka on the bench and is staking his claim for a starting role. The England winger showed another side to his game by rising above Rico Henry and heading the ball back across the goal to open the scoring.

Another match where he struggled to get into the game. Kai Havertz will be lamenting his recent injury setback as that striker spot was waiting for the German.

Another strong performance with exceptional link-up play with Rice and Mosquera. There is no coincidence that the goal came from solid work down a left flank that is thriving.

Martin Odegaard (45′) – 6

His arrival brought more ambition to the attack, but after picking up a knock to the knee, his influence waned. 

The returning winger couldn’t get into the game, and his touch was too heavy on the sole chance he had a sight on goal.

Gabriel Martnelli (81′) – N/A

Riccardo Calafiori (81′) – 5

Could have nicked all three points in stoppage time but was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher, who was quick off his feet. Probably should have used his left foot instead.

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