Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reactions as substitute Kai Havertz scores winner

Brentford 0-1 Arsenal: Havertz’s winner takes the Gunners to the top of the table

Odegaard and Jesus available, White we will see - Arteta

Arsenal went top of the Premier League as Kai Havertz headed home a late winner against Brentford.

After the draw between Manchester City and Liverpool had opened the door for Arsenal to take top spot, it looked for so long like it would be a night to forget for Mikel Arteta’s side as they struggled to breakdown aresolute home defence.

But a piece of Bukayo Saka brilliance put a goal on a plate for Havertz, and the German sharply directed a downward header past Mark Flekken to snatch a 1-0 victory.

The visitors had barely got out of first gear on a chilly London evening and failed to create many clear chances, while Aaron Ramsdale - standing in for the ineligible David Raya in goal - endured a couple of nervy moments at the other end.

Declan Rice spared his goalkeeper’s blushes with a last-ditch first half clearance, while Oleksandr Zinchenko also produced a timely clearance off the line to ensure Ramsdale’s goal was not breached.

And that alllowed Saka and Havertz to combine to secure three points that take Arteta’s men above both the defending champions and Liverpool to head the Premier League pack after 13 matches.

Follow all the reaction below plus get the latest Premier League odds and tips right here:

Brentford vs Arsenal live

• Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s hero, but under-pressure Aaron Ramsdale fails to impress
• Arsenal edge past Brentford to move to in the Premier League
• 89’ GOAL! - Havertz comes off the bench to nod Arsenal in front (BRE 0-1 ARS)
• 77’ OFF THE LINE! - Zinchenko clears the danger to spare Arsenal’s blushes (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 68’ CLOSE! - Martinelli’s cross to Nketiah is headed clear by Mee (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 51’ WIDE! - Mbeumo meets Wissa’s pass but pokes it past the post (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 44’ NO GOAL! - VAR rules the goal out for offside (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 42’ GOAL! - Trossard nods home scrappy goal for visitors (BRE 0-1 ARS)
• 40’ CLOSE! - Jesus draws a save out of Flekken (BRE 0-0 ARS)
• 14’ CHANCE! - Rice clears Mbeumo’s effort after Ramsdale mistake (BRE 0-0 ARS)

[25 November 2023 18:19 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

HALF TIME: BRENTFORD 0-0 ARSENAL

(Getty Images)

[25 November 2023 18:18 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 45 + 3 minutes

Martin Odegaard tries a backheel or scorpion kick of sorts, his left leg craning behind him to try and divert a bouncing ball towards goal. The requisite connection isn’t made and that will be that for the half.

[25 November 2023 18:17 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 45 + 2 minutes

Leandro Trossard’s driven cross strikes a Brentford player, but the ricochet is kind to the hosts and a teammate is able to fashion a clearance.

[25 November 2023 18:16 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 45 minutes

Disappointment for Arsenal, but it’s still them playing with verve as we enter three additional minutes. Brentford are being forced farther and farther back, and Kristoffer Ajer is booked for booting the ball away after barging into Gabriel Jesus.

A free kick in a threatening position for Arsenal.

[25 November 2023 18:12 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

NO GOAL! Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 45 minutes

Leandro Trossard nods home from close range!

A couple of tight offside calsl but I think this one will stand. It’s a little lax from Brentford, pushing out but not far enough as Bukayo Saka picks out Gabriel Jesus beyond the defensive line.

Jesus should score but fails to beat Mark Flekken, who makes an outstanding save but can’t claw the ball out of danger. Trossard is on hand to apply the finishing touches...but was he onside? There’s a long VAR check...

And he’s just offside! Trossard’s left foot is just in front of Gabriel Jesus as the striker heads at goal, and that’ll be chalked off! Goalless it remains!

(Getty Images)

[25 November 2023 18:11 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 40 minutes

Better from the visitors. A Jesus shot takes a double deflection and forces Mark Flekken into a save. The goalkeeper can’t gather - a corner.

[25 November 2023 18:10 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 38 minutes

A goal at the other end would do all in the rather garish yellow Arsenal shirts some good. Gabriel Jesus has a glimpse of an over, the angle tight and his effort sliced as he bursts away in the box.

[25 November 2023 18:09 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 36 minutes

Oh dear. Aaron Ramsdale makes another error, failing to release his throw and hurling the ball down at his toes, having to bid a hasty retreat back towards goal as Brentford sweep up the pieces. They can’t capitalise, but the goalkeeper looks shaken, throwing that malfunctioning right arm about as the home crowd give him another reminder of his inferiority to the on-loan David Raya. Ramsdale needs to mentally reset.

[25 November 2023 18:03 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 33 minutes

Strong goalkeeping from Ramsdale, battling between the bodies to bash the ball away.

[25 November 2023 18:02 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brentford 0-0 Arsenal, 32 minutes

Now Brentford draw a corner out of Arsenal, William Saliba struck on the back by a cross and the ball pinballing behind. Three Brentford players immediately surround Aaron Ramsdale.