Deja vu: Kai Havertz's goal saves Ramsdale’s blushes as Arsenal moves top of the table

The Gunners have been in excellent form since the start of the new year, winning seven games in a row.

They needed a win against Brentford to make it eight wins in a row and did good work by defeating the Bees 2-1 at the Emirate Stadium.

Gabriel Martinelli was not fit enough for Arsenal after picking up a cut on his foot in Monday's win at Sheffield United. The Brazil winger was replaced by Leandro Trossard on the left and Saka started on the right after recovering from sickness.

The Gunners also made another change in the team with on-loan Brentford goalkeeper David Raya ineligible to face his parent club. Aaron Ramsdale came in for his first Premier League appearance since the reverse fixture in November.

Sergio Reguilon could not join the squad as Brentford made just one change from last weekend's 2-2 draw against Chelsea, with Keane Lewis-Potter replacing the loanee.

Arsenal started the game brightly and were rewarded for their pressure. Declan Rice attacked a delicious cross into the penalty area by Ben White and Mark Flekken could not get to it.

The Gunners were pecked back in injury time from a silly mistake from Aaron Ramsdale. Ramsdale dallies after a back-pass and Yoane Wissa steams in to score.

The second half started and Arsenal piled up pressure on the Brentford defence but failed to utilise their chances.

However, Arteta’s men left it late to seal the win after all the pressure on Brentford. Ben White pinged the ball into the box and Havertz was up to direct his header into the net.