Arsenal 2-1 Brentford: Late Havertz header sees Gunners go top after gritty win over struggling visitors

Arsenal's Kai Havertz scored a late winner to lift his team to the top of the Premier League despite keeper Aaron Ramsdale's calamitous first-half error in a 2-1 home win over Brentford on Saturday, giving the Gunners their eighth league victory in a row.

The hard-fought victory moved Arsenal into provisional first place on 64 points, one point ahead of Liverpool and two ahead of Manchester City, who meet at Anfield on Sunday.

Declan Rice's glancing header from a Ben White cross put Arsenal ahead after 19 minutes, as the hosts dominated possession from the start at The Emirates.

Just before halftime, the Bees levelled against the run of play when Ramsdale dallied in his box and Yoane Wissa's sliding challenge resulted in an attempted clearance into the net.

The goalkeeper, making his first league start since November in place of Brentford loanee David Raya, who was ineligible, made two excellent saves, clawing Ivan Toney's long-range effort wide and tipping Nathan Collins' header over.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Ramsdale's performance following his error, hailing the England goalkeeper's "huge personality and courage."

"An error is part of football, it is how to react to it (that matters)," he told reporters. "Especially for the keepers, it is probably the most difficult position."

Arsenal pushed for the winner, and Rice rattled the woodwork 15 minutes from time with a curling effort from outside the box that left keeper Mark Flekken stranded.

Havertz headed home in the 86th minute from another superb delivery by White, giving Arsenal a well-deserved victory. This means the Gunners will finish the weekend in at least second place and could remain top on goal difference if Liverpool and City draw.

Brentford remained in 15th place, five points ahead of 18th-placed Luton Town and the relegation zone after playing one more game.

The Bees' manager, Thomas Frank, felt his team was unfortunate to lose after a strong defensive performance.

"That's tough, oof that's tough," he told reporters. "I feel actually even more for the players. Unbelievable mentality, effort and determination."

Frank was particularly frustrated that Havertz won the game after the German forward, who was on a yellow card, went down in the box in the 65th minute under minimal contact from Collins, which Frank deemed a clear dive.

SportsLigue