Arsenal entered the match with considerable concerns. In an earlier fixture, Manchester City crushed Fulham 3-0, reducing the gap to three points and placing significant pressure on Mikel Arteta's side. Squad availability also did not favor the Gunners, as William Saliba was sidelined due to illness, while Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka were not in peak physical condition to start.

The first half was a cagey affair lacking clear chances, with Arsenal struggling against Brentford's physically demanding and aggressive pressing style. Despite controlling 59% of possession, the visitors managed only one off-target shot. Conversely, Brentford had three attempts, with one on target. In total, only four shots were taken in the first 45 minutes – this was the second-fewest attempts in a first half in the premier league this season, only more than the Wolves versus Brentford match in 12/2025, which had three.

Noni Madueke headed to open the score in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brentford in week 26 of the premier league at Gtech Community Stadium, London, England on 12/2. Anh: Reuters, PA

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Keane Lewis-Potter leapt to head and secure the 1-1 draw. Anh: Reuters

The most dangerous opportunity of the first half belonged to the hosts. In the 22nd minute, David Raya quickly threw the ball, intending a counter-attack, but it was too strong, inadvertently gifting an opportunity to Brentford. From the transition play, the ball was moved to the left wing before being crossed into the penalty area for Igor Thiago to leap and powerfully head diagonally. In that tense moment, Raya redeemed himself with an excellent diving save.

The deadlock was broken in the 61st minute. As Arteta prepared to bring Bukayo Saka onto the field, likely replacing Noni Madueke to refresh the attack, the former Chelsea striker unexpectedly scored. From an accurate cross from the right wing, he leapt high to head diagonally, sending the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, to open the scoring for Arsenal. That valuable goal prompted Arteta to momentarily postpone his substitution plan and only introduced Saka in the 70th minute.

Gabriel Martinelli's right-footed shot was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher in the third minute of added time. Anh: Arsenal FC

Trailing, Brentford had no choice but to push forward. The hosts continuously used long throw-ins and set-pieces to flood the box and create significant pressure. One such opportunity eventually proved effective. In the 71st minute, from a powerful throw-in, almost like a free-kick, from the left wing, the 1,92-meter tall center-back Sepp van den Berg leapt high but could not win the aerial duel against Gabriel, heading towards the far corner. Keane Lewis-Potter followed up with a close-range header that found the back of the net against the visitors.

After that, both teams squandered decisive scoring opportunities. In the first minute of added time, Igor Thiago beat the offside trap, entered the penalty area, and fired a powerful shot from a tight angle, but the ball sailed just over the bar. A few minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli had a one-on-one opportunity, but his right-footed shot could not beat Kelleher.

Just five days ago, Arsenal had established a nine-point lead over Manchester City and held a significant advantage in the title race. However, the draw against Brentford narrowed the gap to four points.

The pressure, therefore, intensified on Arteta's side. In the last three premier league seasons, Arsenal have finished as runners-up, at times coming very close to the title but faltering in the final stretch. As the race enters its final sprint phase, the Gunners understand that they have little room for error if they want to win the championship for the first time in over two decades.

Hong Duy