In the central match that closed the 26th round of the English Premier League, the leading Arsenal faced a difficult obstacle in the London derby. In the match at Brentford Community, Arteta's team fought for victory, but "lost" three points - 1:1.
This draw is not a simple loss of two points for Arsenal: every step on the way to the championship is now a step that is seen under a microscope. The Londoners have increased their points to 57 and are still leading. But now the gap with Manchester City, who are coming from behind, has decreased to 4 points - which means that the race is heating up even more, and each round is turning into a "final".
The main drama of the game was written in the second half. In the 61st minute, Arsenal opened the scoring through Madueke. After the goal, the visitors seemed to take control of the game: slowing down the pace, holding the ball, making the opponent nervous - a classic scenario.
But Brentford did not want to be a "spectator" in their own home. In the 71st minute, Lewis-Potter found his chance and saved his team - 1:1. After that, the mood on the pitch changed: Brentford gained confidence, and Arsenal rushed forward in search of the winning goal, but the decisive blow was not enough.
EPL. Round 26
Brentford - Arsenal 1:1
February 12, Brentford Community
Goals: Lewis-Potter (71) - Madueke (61).
Brentford — Kelleher, Ayer, van den Berg, Henry (Hickey, 90+5), Jensen, Kayode, Lewis-Potter (Damsgaard, 73), Thiago, Ouattara, Yanelt, Yarmouk (Henderson, 73).
Arsenal — Raya, Gabriel, Mosquera, Timber, Hincapie (Calafiore, 81), Rice, Subimendi, Eze (Odegaard, 46), Madueke (Saka, 70), Trossard (Martinelli, 81), Gokeres.
Warnings: Yanelt (4), Gabriel (20), Gokeres (30), Jensen (53), Ouattara (86).
As a result, Brentford is firmly in 7th place with 40 points - this team shows that its dream of the European Cup has become a serious plan. Arsenal are still in first place, but there is no room for error: City, who are behind, will accept any setback as a "gift".
In short, the pressure is mounting as Arteta's team approaches the championship finish line. For fans, such draws are also a signal: the race has begun - and it still has a long way to go.
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