7M - Arsenal Held by Brentford to Offer Man City Premier League Title Hope

Noni Madueke nodded the visitors in front on the hour mark, but the Bees were fully deserving of at least a share of the spoils and drew level through Keane Lewis-Potter.

Arsenal's cushion at the Premier League summit now stands at four points as they chase a first top-flight crown in 22 years.

Yet Mikel Arteta's side still face a trip to second-placed City in their remaining 12 fixtures of the campaign.

A point bolstered Brentford's push to secure European qualification for the first time in their history as they stay seventh.

Keith Andrews' outfit have suffered just two home defeats all season, and Arsenal can consider themselves fortunate not to have slipped to only a fourth league loss of the term.

David Raya denied his former employers with a brilliant stop to palm away Igor Thiago's powerful header from the clearest opportunity of the opening period.

Arsenal were without William Saliba and Kai Havertz due to illness and injury respectively, though they were strengthened by the presence of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka among the substitutes.

Arteta introduced Odegaard at the interval in an attempt to swing momentum, and the visitors began the second half with noticeably greater purpose.

Arsenal's ascendancy bore fruit when Madueke leapt highest at the far stick to direct Piero Hincapie's delivery back across Caoimhin Kelleher.

However, the guests were culpable of attempting to protect their slender advantage rather than continuing to take the game to Brentford.

Thiago again tested the gloves of Raya as the home outfit grew in belief.

Lewis-Potter should have restored parity earlier when he headed wide from a corner while completely unattended.

Arsenal's proficiency from set-piece situations has been instrumental in establishing their title-leading status.

Yet they encountered difficulties coping with Brentford's own threat from dead-ball scenarios.

The leveller originated from one of Michael Kayode's long throws launched into the area; Sepp van den Berg directed the flick-on, and Lewis-Potter stole in ahead of Odegaard to nod home.

Brentford looked significantly more probable to claim maximum points during the closing 20 minutes.

Cristhian Mosquera produced a crucial last-gasp challenge to thwart Thiago.

The Brazilian's finest opportunity to register an 18th Premier League goal this season arrived in stoppage time, but he blazed just over the crossbar.

Arsenal, though, also fashioned a chance to snatch victory at the death when Kelleger dashed off his line to foil Gabriel Martinelli.