Arsenal Feeling The Heat! Gunners' PL Title Charge Takes A Hit After 1-1 Draw At Brentford

Last Updated:February 13, 2026, 07:35 IST

Arsenal drew 1-1 at Brentford, missing a chance to extend their Premier League lead; Pressure mounts with Manchester City now just 4 points off the top of the table.

Could it be? Could the Gunners actually succumb to their past failures — again?

Arsenal missed the chance to stretch their Premier League lead to six points after a gritty 1-1 draw at Brentford on Thursday — a result that keeps Manchester City firmly in the hunt.

The league leaders went ahead just after the hour mark when Noni Madueke rose highest at the back post to head home Piero Hincapie’s cross. But Brentford, impressive throughout, deserved their reward and found it through Keane Lewis-Potter.

Instead of breathing room, Arsenal’s advantage at the summit now stands at four points, with a daunting trip to second-placed Manchester City still to come in the final 12 games.

Bees Buzz Early

Brentford were bold from the outset and could have led before the break. David Raya, facing his former club, produced a stunning save to claw away Igor Thiago’s thumping header.

Arsenal were without William Saliba and Kai Havertz due to illness and injury, but Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka returned to the bench. Mikel Arteta introduced Odegaard at half-time, and the visitors emerged sharper and more purposeful.

Their pressure paid off when Madueke nodded in, but rather than push for a second, Arsenal retreated, and Brentford sensed their moment.

Set-Piece Sting

Lewis-Potter had already headed wide when unmarked from a corner, but he made no mistake later. A long throw from Michael Kayode caused chaos, Sepp van den Berg flicked on, and Lewis-Potter stole in ahead of Odegaard to level.

Brentford nearly snatched all three points. Thiago forced another save from Raya, while Cristhian Mosquera made a crucial last-ditch tackle. In stoppage time, Thiago smashed inches over with his best chance for an 18th league goal of the season.

Arsenal almost escaped with victory when Caoimhin Kelleher raced off his line to deny Gabriel Martinelli, but a draw was the fair result.

Brentford, now seventh, strengthened their European push. Arsenal? Still top of the table, but the pressure is rising.

(with AFP inputs)

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