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Brentford 0-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as Havertz sends Gunners top

By James Cormack

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Gtech Community Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Gtech Community Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Kai Havertz struck late on to move Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Brentford.

As expected, the Gunners faced up against a stubborn Brentford defensive block which frustrated them in the first half. The visitors were forced to be patient as they probed for an opening, but they were fortunate not to fall behind when Aaron Ramsdale offered a gift to Bryan Mbeumo. Fortunately, Declan Rice was on the scene to bail out his goalkeeper.

Arsenal then thought they’d taken the lead towards the end of the first half, but Leandro Trossard’s header was ruled out after VAR intervention.

The hosts forced Mikel Arteta’s side to huff and puff after the restart in their search for the equaliser, but Arsenal’s final third woes were once again laid bare. Thus, Brentford posed the biggest threat, and Neal Maupay came ever so close to giving the Bees the lead, but his header was superbly denied by Oleksandr Zinchenko.

With the contest veering towards a stalemate, substitute Havertz pulled a rabbit out of the hat and provided the moment Arsenal desperately needed. The German’s run at the back post was superb, and he prodded his header through the legs of Mark Flekken to send the Gunners top.

Brentford 0-1 Arsenal player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their win at the Gtech.

It was a nervy return to the starting XI for Ramsdale. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
It was a nervy return to the starting XI for Ramsdale. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 4/10 – This was a huge outing for Ramsdale with Raya ineligible, but he failed to prove himself of his return to the team. A bag of nerves in the opening period, he was mightily fortunate not to give a goal away.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – 6/10 – Foul throw aside, Tomiyasu was typically sturdy. Offered little when Arsenal had possession.

William Saliba (CB) – 6/10 – Judging by his lofty standards, Saliba’s first half was sub-par. He was caught out in possession at times when he usually wouldn’t.

Gabriel (CB) – 8/10 – If we’re calling it an off day for Saliba, then Gabriel didn’t miss a beat alongside him.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 8/10 – One of the better performers in west London. Zinchenko held up his end of the bargain defensively, and he regularly ventured into the final third. His crosses were Arsenal’s primary source of chance creation.

Continued on the next slide…

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