Arsenal missed the chance to re-establish a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League as an impressive Brentford side held them to a 1-1 draw.

Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table was reduced to just three points after watching second-placed Manchester City sweep past Fulham on Wednesday – but the Gunners could only extend their lead by a point on a difficult night in west London.

The Gunners didn’t have a shot on target in the first half, despite Gabriel firing in from close range from an early corner. Brentford had their best chance of the first half when Igor Thiago’s 12-yard header was blocked by David Raya.

Arsenal replaced the disappointing Eberechi Eze with captain Martin Odegaard, who had returned from injury, at half-time and it had an impact, with the league leaders then taking the lead after the first shot on goal.

Just as Bukayo Saka was about to join the action, Noni Madueke headed Piero Hincapie’s ferocious cross into the far corner.

But Brentford were undeterred by falling behind, if that motivated them. Kean Lewis-Potter should have equalized but his header from the corner went wide.

At the other end, Michael Kayode produced a brilliant last-ditch effort to deny Viktor Gyokeres two goals, while Declan Rice should have fired earlier.

Both Brentford players played a role in the equalizer. Kayode’s long pass was flicked on at the near post and Lewis Porter beat Odegaard to equalize at the far post.

It’s not all over for Brentford – they look very close to beating Arsenal for second place. Gabriel’s high challenge on Dango Ouattara avoided a second yellow card and Raya knocked down the free kick.

Then there was the big moment when Thiago broke through in a one-on-one, but Christian Mosquera, who had replaced the ailing William Saliba, blocked his shot with a powerful tackle. Rice made a similar last-ditch effort to prevent another Ouattara-led breakout.

Neither side was able to secure victory, a result that boosted Brentford’s European hopes but hurt Arsenal’s challenge.

Arteta: We lacked composure after their goal

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta:

“We had a huge chance at the end, one-on-one with Gabriel Martinelli, but it wasn’t to be.

“We have to do our job and come to all these places like every other team. You have to be at your best every game and have the luck you need to get the three points every week.

“We started the second half really well, the first 20-25 minutes.

“They scored and from there we lacked more composure to keep the goal better, play in the right areas, instill more discipline.

“Because we started giving a lot of unnecessary free-kicks and poor clearances and getting the ball into the channels, they started creating set pieces – they were really good at that, so credit to them as well.”

Andrews: We’re more likely to win

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews:

“I was really happy with our movements and body language today in the box.

“Arsenal had a lot of set-pieces… we weren’t that bad ourselves.

“I thought we were outstanding for most of the game, outstanding in many aspects, against a top team with outstanding individuals.

“The way we handled the game in the first half, we controlled the game and created better chances. In the second half, Odegaard came on and changed the dynamics of the team and the way we played.

“They controlled it for 15-20 minutes, but I thought we played well in the last 30 minutes and looked more likely to win.”

Andrews won’t talk about Europe – but he may soon do so

Sky Sports’ Dan Long at Gtech Community Stadium:

“Those who doubted Keith Andrews will have to swallow their words. We have nothing superlative left for Brentford.”

“Following their first victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park, they followed up with their first win at St James’ Park since 1934 and have now held Premier League leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw.

“Incredibly, given that Igor Thiago had two huge chances – one in each half – to score his 18th Premier League goal of the season, they were probably frustrated that they didn’t take all three points.

“In the subsequent press conference, Andrews mentioned that his team played ‘ruthless football’ and a ‘fearless approach’. It’s hard to argue with that.

“Arsenal are a threatening team, especially at the moment, but Brentford have made them look ordinary at times. The Gunners have had just two shots on target and their xG total is 0.6 – their third-lowest in the Premier League this season.

“Like all managers, Andrews won’t look beyond the next game and he certainly won’t entertain discussions of qualifying for Europe with 12 games to play.

“But if the Bees continue to have results and performances like this, it’s only a matter of time before he might have to.”

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