3 reasons why there’s no need to panic after Brentford draw

Matchday 23 saw the Gunners leave the Emirates with a disappointing draw against Thomas Frank’s in-form Brentford.

While Arsenal remain three points clear of second-place Manchester City, dropping points in February may be bringing back some past trauma for Arsenal fans all around the world.

Many critics have said Mikel Arteta’s men will falter in the final stages of the season and allow the Citizens to win their third-straight Premier League title.

3 reasons why there’s no need to panic after Brentford draw

However, three key factors will allow Arsenal to remain on top. So do not worry Gooners you should still believe that parade down Upper Street is happening.

1. Peaks and troughs

Pep Guardiola once spoke about the importance of a player being able to recentre their focus following a mistake in the game. As fans, we often get excited about up-and-coming talents for this very reason.

The average age of the Gunners’ squad is one of the lowest in the league at 24.7 years old. We recently covered the magnitude of Martinelli’s contract extension; he is such a key player but his form has dipped since Gabriel Jesus’ injury. However, he is only 21 years old and sometimes fans are quick to forget. Do not worry, Martinelli will be back to his best soon.

As for the rest of the squad, the passion, determination, desire, fight, and physical output can only be rooted in the youthful exuberance within the locker room. Every season has ups and downs and Arsenal are currently experiencing the latter. That said, one can be sure any Arsenal fan would take a loss and draw in back-to-back weeks if it meant they would be top of the league in February.

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2. Brentford are the most in-form team in the league

Only time will tell, but it appears likely that the 1-1 result at the Emirates won’t look as bad when Brentford come up against any of the top sides in the league down the stretch.

The Bees have not lost in the top flight since 23 October, when they were on the receiving end of an unexpected 4-0 Aston Villa thrashing. In their ten-game unbeaten run, they’ve beaten Liverpool and Man City. So remind yourself that all results have context, and while Arsenal should be beating Brentford at home, it is not the end of the world.

Ivan Toney is becoming an elite striker. When you talk about the top goalscorers in the league, we think of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Marcus Rashford. Well, Toney is sandwiched between those players. He currently sits behind Haaland and Kane but ahead of the red-hot Rashford with 14 Premier League goals.

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3. Officials screwed us

Blaming the referees can sometimes be a result of frustration, anger, and pure emotion. In this case, it is entirely justified.

The Premier Game Match Official Limited has stated that there were “significant errors” with the offside ruling in Saturday’s game.

Arsenal’s performance wasn’t one of champions, but a gritty 1-0 victory against an in-form Brentford side would’ve been huge for the cause. Brentford certainly deserved, at minimum, a draw. Despite a frustrating game, the Gunners will be ecstatic with Leandro Trossard’s impact. His goal, assisted by Starboy Saka, was excellent, but it is the way he carries the ball that gets fans on their feet.

Perhaps he will start the next game.

Arsenal will now face titleholders Manchester City for the second time in recent weeks. The Wednesday night clash could determine who will win the Premier League this season. Arsenal’s youth ensures that one of two possibilities will occur: either the Gunners step on the throttle continuing down the road of champions, or this recent three-game wobble causes the young XI to fall. I pick the former.