By Samuel A. March 9, 2024
It was a late…LATE drama as Kai Havertz’s header secured Arsenal a vital 2-1 win over Brentford and spared Aaron Ramsdale’s embarrassment as the Gunners moved top of the Premier League.
Ramsdale’s disastrous error that saw Yoane Wissa equalise late in the first half looked as if it could’ve cost Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s huge title showdown between Liverpool and Man City at Anfield. However, Havertz delivered with a header late on, just as he did in the reverse fixture in November, to take Arsenal a point clear of Liverpool and two of City with their eighth consecutive league win.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank felt Havertz should have been sent off before scoring the winner for an apparent dive in the final half hour, having already been booked for an elbow earlier in the game. “It is a clear dive,” said Frank. “That should have been a second yellow and a red card. And then he wouldn’t have been able to score a winner.”
Declan Rice had headed Arsenal in front after 19 minutes following a bright start from the hosts but saw his goal canceled out by Wissa as he capitalised on Ramsdale dawdling in possession. Brentford fought hard to stay in the game but eventually caved and are just five points above the relegation zone as their winless run stretches to five games.
