Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result and final score after late Kai Havertz goal

Kai Havertz headed Arsenal back to the top of the table as he finally broke Brentford’s stubborn resistance to claim an eighth successive Premier League win.

Havertz’s 86th-minute goal, his fourth in as many league outings, sealed a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium in a game which remained in the balance until the final whistle after keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s error had gifted the Bees an equaliser.

Ramsdale’s blunder in first-half stoppage time allowed Yoanne Wissa to cancel out Declan Rice’s opener, but Havertz struck with four minutes remaining to leave the Gunners in pole position ahead of Sunday’s mouth-watering clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.

Follow live updates from Arsenal vs Brentford in today’s match blog, and get all the latest match odds and tips, here:

Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

• FULL TIME! Havertz heads late winner as Arsenal beat Brentford 2-1

• Gunners go top for first time since Christmas ahead of Liverpool vs Man City tomorrow

• 86’ GOAL! Havertz scores late header from another White cross (2-1)

• 45+3’ GOAL! Ramsdale makes huge error as he is closed down by Wissa (1-1)

• 19’ GOAL! Rice heads sixth PL goal of the season from White cross (1-0)

Arsenal find two unlikely heroes on dizzying night in Premier League title race

21:26 , Jamie Braidwood

Aaron Ramsdale was on his knees at one end. Kai Havertz was wheeling away at the other, as the Emirates erupted into bedlam and melted in the dizzying sense of a title race that is hurtling towards its end-of-season throes. Arsenal found two unlikely heroes against Brentford, on the night and in their season, just as the pressure of the title race looked to have reached Mikel Arteta’s side when they had the chance to go top. Instead, after Havertz’s late winner, it’s eight Premier League wins in a row. Arteta had a face like thunder at half-time but, by the end, he was kissing his goalkeeper in the middle of the pitch

On such moments do title races turn and Ramsdale ensured he provided his own with a remarkable second-half redemption arc.

It was quite the night.

Arsenal find two unlikely heroes on dizzying night in Premier League title race

‘A clear, clear dive’: Brentford furious after Havertz escapes red card

22:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Brentford manager Thomas Frank claimed Arsenal foward Kai Havertz should not have been on the pitch when he headed in his late winner at the Emirates.

Havertz was booked for catching Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer with a stray arm in the first half of the Premier League clash, but then escaped punishment despite appearing to dive in an attempt to win a penalty after the break.

Brentford had equalised before half time when Aaron Ramsdale was caught on the ball by Yoane Wissa, but Havertz rescued Mikel Arteta’s side as he headed in Ben White’s cross for their eighth Premier League win in a row.

But Frank, who did not see see the incident during the match, said the Germany international was lucky to still be on the pitch to score the goal that saw Arsenal return to the top of the table.

‘A clear, clear dive’: Brentford furious after Arsenal match-winner escapes red card

Arteta praises Havertz after late winner

21:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Mikel Arteta hailed match-winner Kai Havertz as an “exceptional player” after his late header saw Arsenal beat Brentford to move top of the Premier League.

“I’m so happy,” Arteta said. “If somebody told me after the first two or three months that the whole stadium would be singing his song with that passion, with that feeling, with that chemistry, I would have found it hard to believe.

“That’s what happens to good people. He’s an exceptional player. When he starts to score goals like this and everything starts to flow people feel more connected with him.

“They see his work rate, they see his intelligence, they see how he plays for the team and how he’s contributing. It’s impossible not to love him.”

Mikel Arteta hails ‘exceptional’ Kai Havertz after late winner against Brentford

FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

20:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports; “You have to win every game with the level you have. I’m really pleased with what we’ve done.

“The whole game, the way the stadium and fans reacted and pushed the team. The noise, energy, passion in every ball is just a joy to be there. The supporters are fully behind the team with every ball, thank you so much.

“The hardest thing in elite sport is to play every three days and train every day at an elite standard. The willingness within the team is phenomenal.”

FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

20:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Mikel Arteta on Aaron Ramsdale: “Really happy for him. He’s a huge personality and he has courage and showed that tonight. Errors are part of football, it’s how you react from it. The whole team, the whole stadium was behind him. We really wanted to win for him in that moment and he really helped us.”

FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Kai Havertz, speaking to Sky Sports: “Massive, massive win for us. We were so desperate to get these three points. They were so important to us. You could see that, especially in second half.”

FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:47 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s the first time Kai Havertz has scored in four games in a row since arriving to the Premier League.

FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Safe to say Ramsdale enjoyed giving some back to the Brentford fans behind his goal...

FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:36 , Jamie Braidwood

EIGHT WINS in a row for Arsenal in the Premier League.

They’ve had so many big wins of late, but nothing beats a late winner.

FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Wild, wild scenes at full-time as Arsenal celebrate. Jorginho heads straight to Ramsdale, who celebrates at one corner. Arteta goes to Havertz, who is being applauded at the other end of the pitch.

Arteta then meets Ramsdale in the middle and kisses the Arsenal keeper!

What a dramatic night.

FULL TIME! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:30 , Jamie Braidwood

And there’s full-time! Arsenal have done it! They are top!

Havertz is the hero!

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:29 , Jamie Braidwood

One last chance for Brentford to get it forward... foul!

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:27 , Jamie Braidwood

90+5 mins: Toney and Gabriel go head to head as Arsenal look to kill the game off...

Arteta’s side are almost there.

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:23 , Jamie Braidwood

90+1 mins: There’s a check for a penalty after Gabriel goes down... nothing given.

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

19:22 , Jamie Braidwood

90 minutes: There will be SEVEN minutes of added time! Arsenal are going top as it stands.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Brentford (HAVERTZ 86’)

19:17 , Jamie Braidwood

THAT’S A HUGE GOAL!

It’s Havertz! Four in a row!

This is his biggest goal yet for Arsenal. With the pressure mounting, White got to the byline and clipped a ball into the box. Havertz was there are the near post and thunders a header past Flekken to break Brentford hearts! The goalkeeper got a touch but it wasn’t enough!

An eruption of noise around the Emirates as Arteta tears down the touchline!

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

19:13 , Jamie Braidwood

82 mins: Are Arsenal really going to blow the chance to go top of the Premier League, with Liverpool and Manchester City facing each other tomorrow?

You can feel the nerves around the Emirates... can Arsenal find a late winner to keep their winning run going?

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

19:10 , Jamie Braidwood

78 mins: A double Brentford change, including the introduction of Neal Maupay for the scorer Wissa.

It’s followed by Arteta replacing Trossard and Kiwior by Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

19:06 , Jamie Braidwood

74 mins: OFF THE BAR! So close from Rice - and what a goal this would have been! His curling effort from 25 yards hits the upright, inches from the top corner. That’s the closest Arsenal have come.

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

19:01 , Jamie Braidwood

71 mins: Another birlliant Ramsdale save! This time from Collins’s header!

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

19:01 , Jamie Braidwood

70 mins: Here’s the change: Jorginho is off, Jesus is on.

Arsenal are going for it.

Brentford, remember, are without an entire first-choice defence, with no Mee, Pinnock, Hickey or Henry.

Yet they’re holding on and could be about to provide a twist in the title race.

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:59 , Jamie Braidwood

68 mins: Oh, it’s getting frantic and heated now! Arsenal are furious at the latest stoppage in play, as another Brentford player stays down.

Arteta is running around on the touchline trying to get the ball back in play as quickly as possible.

Jesus is getting ready...

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:58 , Jamie Braidwood

65 mins: Arsenal appeal for a penalty again - this time as Havertz goes to ground. There was very llittle contact in that and Havertz, already on a booking, is quite lucky that wasn’t given as a dive.

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:54 , Jamie Braidwood

61 mins: Penalty?! Brentford could be in trouble here after Roerslev appears to pull down Trossard in the box.

Nothing given!

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:50 , Jamie Braidwood

59 mins: OFF THE LINE! Arsenal go close from a corner! Gabriel meets Saka’s cross - it’s cleared away by Janelt! Inches away!

Wave after wave of Arsenal pressure now.

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:49 , Jamie Braidwood

58 mins: This is poised brilliantly now! Arsenal are attacking with intensity. Saka’s ball goes straight through and then Collins hacks away from Kiwior.

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:48 , Jamie Braidwood

56 mins: WHAT A SAVE! Oh my.... what a goal this would have been from Ivan Toney! The striker tries to beat Ramsdale from 40 yards after catching a left-footed shot on the half-volley...

... it looks on target, but Ramsdale scrambles back and tips it wide! Stunning, from both the goalkeeper and Toney, but that is a huge moment for Ramsdale and Arsenal in this game!

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:46 , Jamie Braidwood

54 mins: Brentford clear the succession of corners and Ajer takes a blow - staying to ground.

The Arsenal fans are getting frustrated at the stoppages.

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:44 , Jamie Braidwood

52 mins: Gabriel looks to get the noise up as Arsenal win a corner. Saka’s delivery is delayed as Janelt goes to ground in the scrum of bodies surroudning Flekken.

Arsenal ramping up the pressure now...

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:41 , Jamie Braidwood

49 mins: Another wild shot from Arsenal - this time Saka - goes over. At the other end, Wissa’s shot is deflected wide by Saliba. Brentford get a corner and some encouragement - Ramsdale fails to clear and Janelt slices wide!

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:38 , Jamie Braidwood

46 mins: Odegaard fires over almost straight from the restart after a smart touch from Saka on the edge of the box. Odegaard spins around in frustration.

HALF TIME! Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:36 , Jamie Braidwood

The players are out and we’re ready to go again at the Emirates.

Can Arsenal respond after that huge Ramsdale error before half time?

HALF TIME! Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

18:23 , Jamie Braidwood

How long did Ramsdale want? A gift before half-time and Brentford are back in it.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Brentford (WISSA 45+4)

18:19 , Jamie Braidwood

BRENTFORD LEVEL AFTER RAMSDALE’S MISTAKE!

What a twist before half-time! Ramsdale is caught on the ball as he looks to clear on his goalline, taking too long! Wissa slides in and blocks Ramsdale’s clearance, and the ball deflects in!

Mikel Arteta shakes his head - a bad, bad mistake from Ramsdale on his first Premier League start since November.

HALF TIME!

Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

18:15 , Jamie Braidwood

45 mins: There will be three minutes added on. There have been quite a few stoppages and Havertz is booked right on the stroke of half time after catching Collins when competing for a high ball.

Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

18:13 , Jamie Braidwood

42 mins: Another lovely Arsenal move - with this one going from back to front as Gabriel broke forward. It ends with Trossard clipping a ball back across goal and Havertz volleying over the bar.

Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

18:09 , Jamie Braidwood

38 mins: Close from Saka - Rice strode forward and released it wide to the winger, who drifted into the box and tried his luck on his right foot. It goes over the front near post.

Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

18:06 , Jamie Braidwood

35 mins: Wow - what a pass from Jorginho! Sitting in midfield, he picks out the run of Havertz with a clipped ball. Havertz goes for the dink after bearing down on Flekken, but it dribbles wide of the post. The offside flag goes up - it was close.

Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

18:04 , Jamie Braidwood

31 mins: Brentford are forced into a change as Mathias Jensen replaces Norgaard, who has not recovered from an earlier knock. It’s been all Arsenal since the goal.

Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

17:57 , Jamie Braidwood

27 mins: An Arsenal corner... which spells danger for everyone right now. Rice finds Gabriel at the front post but the Brazilian heads over the bar.

Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

17:54 , Jamie Braidwood

25 mins: Arsenal close to a quick second. After lovely feet from Odegaard, Havertz tries his luck with a snapshot. Flekken gathers.

Arsenal 1-0 Brentford

17:54 , Jamie Braidwood

24 mins: Super header.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Brentford (RICE 19')

17:49 , Jamie Braidwood

WHAT A HEADER FROM RICE! ARSENAL LEAD!

Arsenal had a decent shout for a penalty but they keep the pressure on and White clips a good ball into the box. Still, there was a lot of work for Rice to do, but he powered the header down past Flekken and into the corner!

The England midfielder is enjoying his best season in terms of goals in the Premier League and now has his sixth of the campaign. Big goal for Arsenal.

Arsenal 0-0 Brentford

17:47 , Jamie Braidwood

16 mins: Brentford get the first shot on target of the match as Toney heads at Ramsdale from a corner... but it leads to ARsenal’s best chance of the match!

Ramsdale catches Toney’s header and then springs the counter - releasing Trossard! But Roerslev gets back well and Brentford recover to slow Trossard down.

Arsenal could have done with Martinelli’s pace there...

Arsenal 0-0 Brentford

17:43 , Jamie Braidwood

12 mins: Almost a chance for Toney. Saliba misses the ball and it breaks to Toney in the box. Gabriel stands him up and then Saliba recovers, to hook the ball away before Toney could shoot.

Arsenal 0-0 Brentford

17:40 , Jamie Braidwood

9 mins: Now a booking for Arsenal as Gabriel is caught under the ball and tugs on Wissa’s shirt just outside the box. It’s a promising position for Brentford.

It’s wasted by Lewis-Potter, hit straight out of play neither as a cross or a shot.

Arsenal 0-0 Brentford

17:37 , Jamie Braidwood

7 mins: Brentford are looking very shaky. The goalkeeper Flekken passes straight out into the midfield but Arsenal are unable to punish them. Saka gets to the byline but Brentford close out the cross.

The hosts are in control, but Ramsdale then gives away possession cheaply with an overhit pass out to White that runs out of play.

Arsenal 0-0 Brentford

17:34 , Jamie Braidwood

4 mins: An early booking for Brentford’s Onyeka, who slides in and trips Trossard from behind.

Arsenal 0-0 Brentford

17:33 , Jamie Braidwood

2 mins: Almost a fast start for Arsenal! Brentford give it away, passing straight to Saka. His cross towards Trossard is only just cleared by Roerslev, out for a corner.

There, Rice whips it in, looking for Kiwior, and Brentford only just survive. Rice’s cross runs straight through.

KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Brentford

17:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Underway at the Emirates!

Gareth Southgate is here today ahead of naming his England squad next week.

Arsenal vs Brentford

17:27 , Jamie Braidwood

The players are out at the Emirates! There is a sea of red and yellow flags behind Aaron Ramsdale’s goal as Arsenal look to extend their winning run in the Premier League.

A big roar for the returning Arsenal goalkeeper, too.

Arsenal vs Brentford

17:26 , Jamie Braidwood

Today’s Premier League results

Manchester United 2-0 Everton

Wolves 2-1 Fulham

Crystal Palace 1-1 Luton

Bournemouth 2-2 Sheffiled United

Arsenal vs Brentford

17:23 , Jamie Braidwood

All set for kick-off in North London.

Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures?

17:16 , Jamie Braidwood

The Premier League is heading for a classic title race, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal set for a three-way battle as we approach the run-in.

Tomorrow will stage what could be the final clash between Klopp’s Liverpool and Guardiola’s City, in what is a potential title decider at Anfield. The Premier League will then return from March’s international break for another blockbuster fixture, as Arteta’s side visit the Etihad to take on the champions, having already beaten City earlier this season.

After that, as the Premier League title race enters April, the run-in can truly begin. But which team has the best fixtures and who has the hardest run of games to end the season? Here’s where the title could be won and lost.

Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures in the run-in?

Can Ivan Toney return to haunt Arsenal?

17:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Rewind a couple of month and Arsenal were short of goals and linked with a £100m move for Ivan Toney.

The striker, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, returned from his eight-month suspension for betting offences with Arteta reportedly keen to sign him.

Toney stayed at the Bees and has now entered the final 18 months of his contract as he look to guide Brentford towards safety.

He has scored four times in eight appearances since his return - but has not managed any in his last three games.

Could that change today? Toney scored an equaliser at the Emirates last season as Brentford came away with a 1-1 draw.

Arteta praises Kai Havertz amid best Arsenal run

16:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Kai Havertz is enjoying his best run of form for Arsenal having scored in his last three matches, after a tricky initial spell after his big-money move from Chelsea.

Arteta said: “It says a lot about his character and how he’s dealt with those question marks. He has a good attitude all the time when things don’t go well in certain phases of the game.

“He continues to work hard. We can see his mentality, his intelligence on the pitch and the personality he has. We’re very happy with him.

“His ability to occupy space and aggression in high press is very good. Those are attributes which are very good for us.”

Arsenal vs Brentford team news

16:36 , Jamie Braidwood

There’s no Gabriel Martinelli in the Arsenal squad after picking up a “cut” to his right foot in the win over Sheffield United. The winger is replaced by Leandro Trossard and the only other change is also enforced, and expected, with Aaron Ramsdale coming in for David Raya. Oleksandr Zinchenko returns to the Arsenal bench.

Keane Lewis-Potter comes in for Brentford, who start Ivan Toney up front.

Arsenal vs Brentford line-ups! No Martinelli....

16:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Confirmed line-ups

Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Kiwior; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Brentford: Flekken; Zanka, Ajer, Collins; Roerslev, Onyeka, Norgaard, Janelt, Lewis-Potter; Toney, Wissa

Arsenal vs Brentford team news dropping shortly...

16:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Brentford have been ravaged by injuries, while Arteta has been boosted by several returning players to his squad. Will there be any surprises from the Arsenal boss, with his side in Champions League action against Porto on Tuesday?

Can Saka match best-ever Premier League season?

16:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Bukayo Saka is one goal away from equalling his best-ever Premier League season already.

The England international hit 14 goals in 38 games last season, but has already managed 13 this campaign.

That includes seven goals in his last seven Premier League appearances - while the 6-0 win at Bramall Lane was first time he had not scored in the league since January.

Saka has 16 for the season in all competitions, which is already his best return.

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka set to feature for Arsenal

16:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was “positive” both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will be fit to face Brentford

The Gunners continued their winning run in the Premier League as they thrashed Sheffield United 6-0 on Monday night.

But Saka was withdrawn at half time with the England international “feeling ill” before Martinelli hobbled off in the second half after picking up a “slight cut” to his right foot.

“We are pretty positive they can be part of the squad but we’ll have to see,” Arteta said on Friday.

Arteta backs Ramsdale ahead of Arsenal return

15:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Mikel Arteta on Aaron Ramsdale:

“He’s trained very well and he’s desperate to play, like all of the other boys, and it will be a great day for him on Saturday.

“He has been brilliant, he’s really supportive and pushes in training. It’s a joy to have two top goalkeepers.

“One of the toughest things is dealing with players who don’t have the amount of time (on the pitch) which they deserve.

“We have an unbelievable group of players and we try to be straight with them and explain to them by giving them the support.

“When they get the opportunity at the end they try to contribute in the best possible way and that’s what Aaron will do.”

Aaron Ramsdale to start for Arsenal

15:31 , Jamie Braidwood

There will be a rare start for Aaron Ramsdale today with David Raya unable to face his parent club.

With the Spanish goalkeeper firmly Arteta’s No 1, it could be Ramsdale’s final Arsenal game - if he decides to look elsewhere in the summer.

The England goalkeeper has not played since the 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup third round, while his last Premeir League apperance was in the 1-0 win at Brentford in November.

Arteta picks up Premier League award

15:18 , Jamie Braidwood

Mikel Arteta has been named Premier League manager of the month for February.

Arsenal’s record last month was played four, won four - while scoring 18 goals.

They beat Liverpool at home and recorded 6-0 and 5-0 wins away from home.

Arteta said: “It’s a great honour in this league to get recognised in this way so I want to say thank you to the team and the staff for always being supportive and making this happen.”

Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

15:06 , Jamie Braidwood

23 December 2023.

Arsenal claimed a point at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League heading into Christmas.

But after losing back-to-back games to West Ham and Fulham, Arsenal would enter the New Year in fourth.

Now after trip to Dubai and a seven-game winning run, they’ve got the change to return to the top ahead of Liverpool facing City tomorow.

It’s a three-way fight, after all.

Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

15:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Get the latest match odds, here

Arsenal vs Brentford predictions: Premier League tips, betting odds & free bets

Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

15:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Odds

Arsenal: 2/9

Draw: 11/2

Brentford: 10/1

Prediction

Arsenal 4-1 Brentford

Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

15:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Kiwior; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havetrz, Martinelli

Brentford: Flekken; Jorgensen, Ajer, Collins; Roerslev, Jensen; Norgaard, Janelt, Reguillon; Toney, Wissa

Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

15:02 , Jamie Braidwood

What is the team news?

Gabriel Martinelli picked up a “slight cut” in the 6-0 win against Sheffield United, while Bukayo Saka had to be taken off at half-time due to illness but Arteta said he is “pretty positive” both will be involved. Arteta will have to make at least one change to his team, with goalkeeper David Raya unable to face his parent club. Aaron Ramsdale will replace him.

Brentford have been rocked by injuries in recent weeks, especially in defence with all of Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock, Aaron Sickey and Rico Henry out, as well as Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade.

Arsenal vs Brentford LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

15:01 , Jamie Braidwood

When is Arsenal vs Brentford?

The match will kick-off at 5:30pm GMT on Saturday 9 March at the Emirates Stadium.

How can I watch it?

It will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includesdeals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Good afternoon

15:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal have the chance to go top of the Premier League for the first time since Christmas as the Gunners host Brentford tonight. A run of seven wins in a row in the Premier League while breaking several scoring records has helped the Gunners close the gap on title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, who meet at Anfield tomorrow lunchtime.

But Mikel Arteta’s side can leapfrog both before then as they go in search of an eighth consecutive league victory. Arsenal have scored 31 goals during their winning run, and in beating Sheffield United 6-0 on Monday night they became they first team in English football history to win three away games in a row by five goals or more. Arsenal have also been on fire at home - and they put Newcastle to the sword on their last outing in north London.

Brentford will be out to frustrate Arsenal and boost their survival bid, as Thomas Frank’s side managed last season with a 1-1 draw at the Emirates. Ivan Toney was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in January, before Arteta’s forwards found their stunning goalscoring form. Could the England striker return to haunt the Gunners once more?

Follow live updates from Arsenal vs Brentford in today’s match blog