Arsenal Brentford draw dents title push as Gunners surrender lead in a tense 1-1 Premier League clash at the Gtech Community Stadium

Arsenal saw the Premier League title race tighten on Thursday after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

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The Gunners, who arrived as league leaders, broke the deadlock in the 61st minute through Noni Madueke, whose powerful header from Piero Hincapié’s precise cross wrong-footed Caoimhín Kelleher.

The goal prompted animated celebrations from manager Mikel Arteta on the touchline.

Brentford, however, responded with resolve. Ten minutes later, a long throw from Michael Kayode was flicked on by Sepp van den Berg, allowing Keane Lewis-Potter to head home from close range.

The second half unfolded at a relentless pace. Igor Thiago fired over from a promising position as Brentford searched for a winner, while Arsenal nearly snatched all three points in stoppage time when Gabriel Martinelli raced clear, only to be denied by a brave save from Kelleher.

Arteta introduced Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka from the bench in a bid to restore control, but Brentford’s organisation under Thomas Frank ensured the hosts held firm for a deserved point.

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The Arsenal Brentford draw leaves the Gunners four points clear at the summit, a sharp contraction from a nine-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City in recent weeks.