REPORT: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford - Havertz Heads Late To Send Gunners Top

Kai Havertz headed a late winner at Emirates Stadium to send Arsenal top of the Premier League.

It looked for a long time like Arsenal would be frustrated by Brentford after Yoane Wissa capitalised on an Aaron Ramsdale mistake to cancel out Declan Rice's opener. But Havertz rose highest in the 86th minute to secure the three points for the North Londoners and make it eight wins on the bounce.

Rice, Rice Baby

Arsenal looked to make a fast start and continue their fine goalscoring form, and nearly broke the deadlock as Rice's corner was nudged wide by Ivan Toney. 

In the 19th minute though, they did find a way through. Ben White exchanged passes with Bukayo Saka, before floating a cross into the box for Rice to attack and head goalwards. 

The Gunners continued to press and had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Havertz was played through by Jorginho. The German dinked a delicate effort over Mark Flekken but saw it drift wide of the far post. 

Arsenal had dominated much of the half, but on the stroke of half time found themselves pegged back by Wissa. Ramsdale took too much time in possession and as he attempted to clear, saw the ball deflect off of Wissa and into the back of the net. 

Ramsdale Recovery

It would have been easy for Ramsdale to hide following his error, but he produced an excellent stop to deny Toney's 40-yard volley.

Arsenal were beginning to press though and almost had the lead restored through Gabriel, who headed from a corner only to see his effort scrambled off the line. 

Nathan Collins then found himself free at the far post but his header was tipped over acrobatically by Ramsdale. 

The game was finely balanced, and Rice almost found a way through the Brentford barracade with a long-distance effort that clipped the top of the crossbar. 

Havertz Scores Again

It was Havertz though who would ultimately be the hero once more. Martin Odegaard found White overlapping on the right-hand side, and his cross found the head of Havertz to restore Arsenal's lead. 

Arsenal saw out the remaining minutes to send The Gunners top of the table, with Manchester City travelling to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, with Arsenal looking to overturn a one goal deficit over Porto at The Emirates on Tuesday night.