Arsenal 2-1 Brentford: Player ratings as Havertz sends Gunners top

Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday evening.

There was no lightning-fast start on this occasion from Mikel Arteta's side, but it didn't take long for them to take the lead. Declan Rice headed home superbly from Ben White's cross in the opening 20 minutes.

The visitors did an admirable job of limiting Arsenal's high-quality chances, although Kai Havertz did come close twice.

It looked as if the Gunners would take a 1-0 lead into the break, but an egregious Aaron Ramsdale error allowed Yoane Wissa to equalise on the stroke of half-time.

Thus, Arsenal were thrust into a similar position to what they were in against Liverpool last month. A huge second-half performance was required, but the hosts primarily threatened from set pieces. Gabriel had a header cleared off the line.

Angst grew inside the Emirates as the clocked ticked towards the 90, with the Bees continuing to frustrate the hosts. Perhaps this wasn't to the Arsenal's day, perhaps the Gunners would lose ground on their title rivals...

Nope.

White delivered again for the hosts, crossing superbly again but this time for Havertz, who headed home from close range to seal a huge three points for Arteta's men ahead of the crunch clash at Anfield between Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from Saturday's win.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) - 4/10 - His error was crushing, but he otherwise had a fine game. Ramsdale made excellent saves to deny Ivan Toney and Nathan Collins in the second half.

Ben White (RB) - 8/10 - Frequented the inside channel often and it was here where he set up Rice's opener with a pinpoint cross. Having previously struggled in the final third, White then teed up Havertz for the winner.

William Saliba (CB) - 8/10 - Saliba, who has aerial weaknesses, dealt with Toney's threat well. Often forcing the striker to ground without fouling.

Gabriel (CB) - 6/10 - Booked early on for pulling back Wissa and was on a tightrope as a result. Certainly wasn't at his physically imposing best.

Jakub Kiwior (LB) - 6/10 - Pretty sturdy outside of a few minor errors with the ball. Wasn't tested much defensively.

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