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Arsenal held to 1-1 draw by Brentford in Premier League Gunners miss chance to go six points clear Man City now four points behind Mikel Arteta's side Keane Lewis-Potter heads Brentford level after Noni Madueke opener Charlotte Coates Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport Arsenal's attackers have rediscovered good form of their own in recent weeks, including centre forward Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored six goals in his past eight appearances in all competitions. The Gunners' 3-0 win against Sunderland last weekend followed a 4-0 triumph at Leeds United although the former was unusual in the sense that all three of Arsenal's goals came from open play. It is only the seventh time that has happened across the entire Premier League campaign so far – and first since the 2-1 loss at Aston Villa on 6 December. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Brentford striker Igor Thiago is bang in form with 17 goals in 25 games. What a battle it'll be between him and Gabriel. Here's what Keith Andrews thinks of the Brazilian: "He is in really good form; he's leading the line well, scoring goals, and playing with confidence. The relationships that we spoke about early in the season have been more evident. " Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Martin Keown Former Arsenal defender on TNT Sports Brentford can make it physical, but they can play. Igor Thiago has been outstanding. Kevin Schade is not available, but the quality they have got. Thiago is a calm finisher - he never panics. Brentford do go at pace on the counter-attack. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Arsenal have picked up eight points from a possible 15 as Man City close in. But a win at Brentford tonight will move the Gunners back to six points in front of Pep Guardiola's side. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Brentford’s Igor Thiago has scored nine goals in his last 10 Premier League home games, netting four braces in that run. Only Erling Haaland, with five, has scored multiple goals in more different home matches this term. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Alex Howell BBC Sport Arsenal reporter at Gtech Community Stadium This game is Eberechi Eze's first start in the league since December 13 against Wolves. Eze has started games in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup but this is a big opportunity to make a mark with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard not in the starting XI. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) I have to admit, I thought Brentford were doomed were Thomas Frank left for Spurs and the Bees appointed Keith Andrews, but how wrong was I? Brentford have 10 wins under their belt and can move above champions Liverpool into sixth with three points here. What a season they're having. Alex Howell BBC Sport Arsenal reporter at Gtech Community Stadium Cristhian Mosquera is a good back up for the Gunners but there is no hiding from the fact that William Saliba is a huge miss. Since Saliba joined Arsenal ahead of the 2022-23 season, Arsenal hold a 44. 4% win percentage without William Saliba featuring in the Premier League, compared to 68. 6% when the French defender plays. The Gunners' point-per-game average is also much stronger with him (2. 3) than without him (1. 7). Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) We've had two Premier League managerial sackings in the last two days, with Thomas Frank getting the boot from Spurs and Sean Dyche leaving Forest. Can't imagine we'll be seeing a third, though. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport Brentford can rely on the superlative home form of their star striker. Igor Thiago has scored nine goals in his last 10 Premier League home games, including four braces. Only Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has scored more Premier League goals than Thiago so far this season. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Arsenal Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports about William Saliba's exclusion: "He wasn't feeling good - he is ill, so he is home. " On Kai Havertz missing: "After the game we played against Sunderland he felt a little niggle. We have to wait and see how long he is going to be out for. " On Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard's return to the matchday squad: "That was the time frame, more or less. Let's see how much we can use him [Saka] today. With Martin, very good news because he is back. " On Eberechi Eze starting: "He has played a lot of games, and he has got qualities against any opponent he can decide the game. He deserves to play. " On title race noise: "For seven months we have been doing that. We are used to it. " On Brentford: "For many seasons they have proven that, and they merit where they are. " Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Mikel Arteta was only asked briefly about opponents Brentford in his pre-match news conference. "The past few results - amazing. Big credit to them because they're a top side. " I wonder what the Spaniard will have to say after tonight. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Martin Keown Former Arsenal defender on TNT Sports Pep has been on this race a number of times and he knows what is needed. Arsenal just need to respond and then it goes back to six points. I expect Arsenal to win this one tonight. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Look at those last two wins for Brentford! Can they make it a brilliant treble by putting Arsenal to the sword? Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Brentford Brentford boss Keith Andrews, speaking to TNT Sports: "Just approach the game in a very confident, but humble way. "We are aware of what will be thrown at us tonight. They're a phenomenal team. We will have to match that and perform pretty well. "Equally, we are a pretty good team ourselves. I hope it is chaos. I like to create chaos. "The lads will tell you when you're in a game you want to feel you're in control. If you can alter that plan in any way, and you can remain calm amongst you - that puts you in a good place. " On his coaching career: "It has been hell of a journey, but I have been coaching since I was 29. The trajectory for a lot of people would seem astronomical. It might not happen at any other football club. This is a pretty unique club. " On Arsenal: "Tough team to break down for sur. Defensively, they're outstanding. We will try to create a bit of chaos and make it uncomfortable for them. " Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Alex Howell BBC Sport Arsenal reporter at Gtech Community Stadium It's a blow for the Gunners to be without William Saliba but Cristhian Mosquera has shown throughout the season that he is a quality back up. The 21-year-old was signed for £13m in the summer from Valencia and has already stepped up in big games for Arsenal. Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Arsenal were about 15 minutes away from moving nine points clear at the top of the Premier League. The title could well have been done and dusted then and there. But Man City's late comeback at Anfield and win last night means Arsenal must win tonight to move six points ahead. Click on 'Get involved' at the top of this page Hoping for a famous Brentford fast start. An early goal would open this game into a fascinating contest. Arsenal forced to commit with the Thiago-Outtara rockets poised to fire on the break…. Lawrence, Chiswick Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Just on Viktor Gyokeres' run of form, here's what Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has had to say about the 27-year-old. "Not much [has changed]. His work ethic remains the same. Probably the energy and confidence, once you start to score and assist, you start to believe it will happen and it increases. "When he got himself fresh and available [after an injury] everything lifted and now he's clicking. " Brentford v Arsenal (20: 00 GMT) Viktor Gyokeres has struck eight times for Arsenal in the Premier League this season but three of them have come in the last two games. The Sweden striker came off the bench in the win over Sunderland to net twice but tonight, he has a chance from the start. This video can not be played Arsenal held by Brentford as they miss chance to restore six-point lead at top At a glance Madueke opens scoring in second half with superb header across goal Lewis-Potter levels with header from throw-in set-piece Arsenal miss chance to restore six-point lead at top of Premier League Gunners centre-back Saliba misses match with illness PLAYER RATER Arsenal missed the chance to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League in a frustrating draw at Brentford. The Gunners' lead at the top was halved when Manchester City beat Fulham on Wednesday and Mikel Arteta's side faced a tough assignment against a Brentford side who had lost just twice at home this season. It was a subdued performance in the first half as Arsenal struggled to break down a well organised Brentford side, but they took the lead in the 61st minute when Noni Madueke headed Piero Hincapie's cross back across goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. It looked as though it was going to be an important win in the title race but Keane Lewis-Potter reacted quickest to head in a flick-on in the area after a trademark Michael Kayode throw-in in the 71st minute. Brentford continued to threaten from set-pieces as the game drew to a close, even though Arteta introduced substitutes Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori as he looked to secure the win. Both sides had chances to win it late on, with Igor Thiago denied by an excellent tackle from Cristhian Mosquera and Arsenal's Martinelli denied by Kelleher in stoppage time. Will Arsenal's end-of-season form haunt them again? What did you make of Brentford's performance? Have your say on Arsenal's display This video can not be played Arsenal let game become chaotic - Arteta Arsenal will be disappointed with the manner of this draw despite Brentford only losing twice at home this season. The Gunners struggled to break down their resolute opponents in the first half, with centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes having their best opportunity from a corner. Arteta gave England international Eberechi Eze his first start in the league since December, but the number 10 did not take his chance with Kai Havertz out of the squad and was replaced by captain Martin Odegaard at half-time. It looked as though Madueke's header was going to give the Gunners an important victory as they look to keep the chasing pack at bay but they were unable to keep out Brentford, who like Arsenal are one of the league's best sides at set-pieces. The Gunners will be accused of starting to show signs of struggling under the pressure of trying to win a first title since 2004, but they face Wolves on Wednesday and can move seven points clear of Manchester City if they beat the league's bottom side. This video can not be played 'Brentford more likely to win' - Andrews on draw with Arsenal Brentford again produced a performance to show why they deserve to be seventh in the league, just five points behind fourth-place Manchester United. Keith Andrews' side were well organised, as they have been all season, and looked to counter-attack quickly using the pace of Lewis-Potter and Dango Ouattara, while 17-goal striker Thiago consistently troubled the Arsenal backline. Brentford's press frustrated the Gunners and forced the away side into a couple of loose passes across their own goal, which lifted the crowd and built confidence. Thiago had two good chances late in the match and the victory would not have been undeserved considering the manner in which Brentford finished after getting level. The performance was another sign that despite being many people's picks for relegation after a summer of upheaval, the Bees are pushing for a first ever European campaign. Arsenal are next in action when they host Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday (16: 30) while Brentford travel to play non-league Macclesfield on Monday night (19: 30). After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users. Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Last Updated 12th February 2026 at 21: 54 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Keith Andrews Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Mikel Arteta Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Keith Andrews Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Mikel Arteta Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal High chance of scoring Medium chance of scoring Low chance of scoring Dominant period Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute. Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute. Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brentford Brentford Brentford Brentford Premier League All competitions All competitions All competitions Brentford’s first ever Premier League victory came against Arsenal, in their first game in the competition in August 2021. Since then, they’re winless in their last eight against the Gunners (D2 L6). Arsenal lost their first Premier League away game 2-0 against Brentford but have since won their last three by an aggregate score of 7-1. Brentford have won just one of their last 11 home London derbies in the Premier League (D6 L4) and are winless in seven since a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in August 2024. Arsenal have lost just one of their last 23 Premier League London derbies (W17 D5), while since the start of 2022-23 they’ve lost just one of their 20 away games against fellow London sides (W14 D5). This is just Brentford’s fourth Premier League game played on a Thursday – they lost 2-0 at Spurs in December 2021, beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in May 2025 and drew 0-0 with Spurs last month. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 12 midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League games (W9 D3). However, they’re without a win or a goal (D1 L2) in any of their last three specifically on Thursdays. Brentford lost 2-0 against Nottingham Forest in their last home league game, ending a seven game unbeaten run at the Gtech Stadium. Since the start of last season, they’ve only lost consecutive home league games twice, the first time of which was a 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest followed by a loss to Arsenal. Brentford’s Igor Thiago has scored nine goals in his last 10 Premier League home games, netting four braces in that run. Only Erling Haaland (5) has scored multiple goals in more different home matches this term. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has won 41 of his 67 Premier League London derbies as manager, the best win rate (61%) of anyone to take charge of at least 20. Overall, only Arsène Wenger (106 from 194 games) and José Mourinho (42/70) have won more London derbies than the Spaniard. Bukayo Saka has been involved in 35 goals in 63 Premier League London derbies (17 goals, 18 assists), the third most of any Arsenal player after Thierry Henry (55) and Dennis Bergkamp (38). 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