Brentford 0-1 Arsenal: Havertz's late winner sends Gunners top

Kai Havertz scored an 89th-minute winner to send Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Brentford.

The victory also saw Arsenal end Brentford's impressive 14-match unbeaten run in Premier League London derbies.

The absence of David Raya forced Mikel Arteta to rely on Aaron Ramsdale in goal, and a nervy moment occurred when Ramsdale lost the ball to Yoane Wissa. Fortunately, Declan Rice's timely clearance saved Arsenal's blushes.

Despite Arsenal's initial muted response and a lack of shots on target, they came close to taking the lead before the 40th minute with Gabriel Jesus's effort. Just before halftime, Leandro Trossard appeared to have scored, only for VAR to rule him offside.

The second half saw both teams making attacking changes in search of a breakthrough, resulting in a somewhat stalemate. Arsenal's frustration was evident when Oleksandr Zinchenko tried a long-range shot that missed the target. However, he redeemed himself by clearing Neal Maupay's goal-bound effort off the line.

Arsenal gained momentum towards the end, with Kai Havertz heading home Bukayo Saka's cross in the 90th minute, securing a 1-0 victory. This win propelled Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table while handing Brentford only their second home defeat of the season.