Arsenalwere held to a 1-1 draw byBrentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League to just four points.
Noni Madueke eventually opened the scoring for the Gunners after the hour mark, before Keane Lewis-Potter equalised from close range to earn the Bees a point.
Mikel Arteta’s side were perhaps lucky to leave West London with a point after a set-piece onslaught meant Arsenal had to focus on defending rather than looking to win the game.
The Gunners seemed to lack the ingenuity required to break down a stubborn Bees side. Eberechi Eze continued to struggle and was substituted at half-time after failing to make an impact on the game.
Concerns about Arsenal’s Premier League title race will have to wait until after Sunday. Wigan Athletic are visitors to the Emirates Stadium in an FA Cup clash.
Player Ratings
David Raya – 7
The Spaniard had little to do but did make a brilliant save to deny Igor Thiago from scoring. Raya’s poor throw put him under pressure to rectify his error, which he immediately did with a palmed save.
(Credit: Rob Newell/ GettyImages).
Jurrien Timber – 7
Timber was solid once more, almost setting up a late winner, which Martinelli fired straight at Caoimhín Kelleher.
Cristhian Mosquera – 7
Similar to Raya, Mosquera made an uncharacteristic error, but his superb sliding tackle again prevented Thiago from registering amongst the goalscorers. With William Saliba absent through illness, he stepped in well for the Frenchman.
Gabriel – 7
As per usual, Gabriel was solid, winning the most duels of anyone in the match.
Piero Hincapie – 7
Set up Madueke’s effort with a superb cross. Hincapie continued his impressive form.
Eberechi Eze – 4
Poor on the ball but given little time to operate. Eze continued to struggle and was duly replaced at half-time by Odegaard.
Martin Zubimendi – 5
Not the Spaniard’s finest display. Kept the ball well but went largely unnoticed.
Declan Rice – 6
Rice was effective in moments, but failed to have a significant impact on the game in the final third. Should have taken a shot in order to double the Gunners’ lead, but failed to do so.
Noni Madueke – 6
(Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages)
Madueke was poor apart from the goal. His header caught out Kelleher, who had shifted his bodyweight in the opposite direction of the attempt.
Viktor Gyökeres – 5
Failed to have a single shot, but was again given no service at all in the box. His hold-up play was good at times.
Leandro Trossard – 5
Went unnoticed in the attacking areas of the pitch.
Substitutes
Martin Ødegaard – 6
The captain’s arrival at half-time did increase the tempo of the game up until the goal. However, a lapse in concentration allowed Lewis-Potter to pounce and equalise for the hosts.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Failed to impact the game at all from the bench.
Riccardo Calafiori – N/A
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Should have scored in the dying embers, but a poor touch meant Kelleher was able to stretch, preventing a late winner from being scored.