Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions suffered another significant setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Emirates Stadium, just days after their impressive 3-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side 10 points behind Liverpool, having played an extra game. If the Merseyside club defeats West Ham on Sunday, the gap will extend to 13 points, potentially allowing Liverpool to secure the title as early as next weekend.
Thomas Partey gave Arsenal the lead in the 61st minute, finishing a lightning-quick counter-attack that began with goalkeeper David Raya and featured an excellent driving run from Declan Rice. The entire move took just 14 seconds from Raya collecting a Brentford corner to Partey firing home.
However, the visitors equalized 13 minutes later when Yoane Wissa turned in Nathan Collins’ header following Michael Kayode’s cross, exposing defensive frailties on Arsenal’s right flank.
Arteta made five changes from the team that dominated Real Madrid, though he retained Rice, whose performance against the Spanish giants had been instrumental. The manager’s frustration was evident throughout, particularly when Christian Norgaard escaped with only a yellow card for a scissor tackle on Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal’s attack lacked the fluency and precision displayed against Madrid, with Bukayo Saka—introduced as a second-half substitute—coming closest to a winner when his late effort flew past the far post in stoppage time.
The Gunners must now quickly regroup as they prepare for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, where they’ll defend their three-goal advantage against Carlo Ancelotti’s wounded Real Madrid.
This disappointing result continues Arsenal’s inconsistent league form, which has seen them drop crucial points against mid-table opposition while excelling in European competition. The contrast between their commanding performance against Madrid and this flat display against Brentford highlights the challenge Arteta faces in maintaining his team’s focus across multiple competitions.
