As Frank said at his post-match debrief on BBC’s Match of the Day, neither Bukayo Saka nor Kai Havertz had much of an impact on proceedings until the clock ticked towards 90 in West London.
But, as Arsenal’s number seven cut in from the right and whipped a laser-guided cross onto the head of Havertz – the German finding a pocket of space with some excellent movement at the far post – all of Brentford’s hard work went unrewarded.
Arsenal snatch Brentford win
“I think we did a great job to keep two of the best wingers in the league quiet throughout the game,” Frank sighs, Gabriel Martinelli also kept on the periphery by Brentford’s doubling-up defending.
“So it’s just one top action from Saka, in the end, and great movement from Havertz.”
That ‘one top action’ was all it took for Arsenal to reclaim top spot in the Premier League table, a few hours after reigning champions Manchester City had been held at home by Liverpool.
Two months after Saka handed over penalty duties to the much-maligned Havertz, allowing the summer signing form Chelsea to belatedly open his Arsenal account, the former assisted the latter in a far more literal fashion against Brentford.
Kai Havertz finally scores from open play
“These late winners are nice. And then to celebrate in front of the fans… It was a good feeling for sure,” sighs a relieved Havertz, heading his first Gunners goal from open play beyond the reach of Mark Flekken at the death.
“The cross (from Saka) was amazing. And I thought maybe ‘why not do this run?’. The ball was perfect, and I scored.”
Arsenal, beaten just once in 13 league games this season. The Gunners are now a point clear of Man City and two ahead of Liverpool.
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