Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford: Declan Rice the unsung hero of vital win as Kai Havertz finally delivers

Arsenal come through tough test to go top of the table

Arsenal went top of the Premier League after Kai Havertz scored a late goal to beat Brentford.

The Gunners started the day in third, but leapfrogged Liverpool and Manchester City after they drew in the lunchtime kick-off.

Arsenal looked like they would have to settle for a point against a stubborn and resolute Brentford side, which did threaten as Declan Rice and Oleksandr Zinchenko make vital clearances.

Havertz, however, came to the rescue by heading home with a minute of normal time to go to send Arsenal top of the table.

Simon Collings was at the Gtech Community Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale 5

Made his first Premier League appearance since September 3. Looked, understandably, short on confidence and game time. Almost caught out twice playing out from the back in the first-half, but was much better after the break.

Takehiro Tomiyasu 7

Given the nod ahead of Ben White and continued his good form with another fine performance. Solid in and out of possession.

William Saliba 6

Not at the level he usually is, but was still fine. Caught out once or twice - which is uncharacteristic for him.

Gabriel 7

The better of Arsenal's two centre-backs. Bailed Saliba out on a couple of occasions. Dominant in the air.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 7

Shone for his defensive work, which you don't always say about the Ukrainian. Made a stunning block to keep out Neal Maupay's header.

Brentford FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Oleksandr Zinchenko put in a good shift for Arsenal
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Martin Odegaard 5

Back in the side after missing the last three games. Looked a tad rusty and struggled to break down Brentford's stubborn defence.

Declan Rice 8 | Star player

Restored to the base of midfield after a run of starts as a No8. Made a stunning clearance off the line in the first-half. A colossus in midfield.

Leandro Trossard 6

A surprise starter in midfield after excelling upfront recently. Thought he had opened the scoring in the first-half, but VAR ruled his header out for offside.

Bukayo Saka 7

Difficult for him to make an impact against a deep Brentford defence. Was being kept quiet all game - and then setup the winner with a stunning cross.

Gabriel Jesus 5

Made his first appearance for Arsenal in a month. Was tough against three centre-backs, but went close to scoring in the first-half with a good turn and shot.

Gabriel Martinelli 5

Brentford did an excellent job of doubling up on the Brazilian. Almost setup Nketiah with a great cross when he finally got some space in the second-half.

Substitutions

Eddie Nketiah (Jesus 66') 5

Almost nicked one off Mark Flekken's foot when the keeper tried to be cute playing out.

Kai Havertz (Martinelli 79') 7

Off the bench to score the winner. A turning point for his Arsenal career?

Jorginho (Odegaard 90') N/A

White (Saka 90') N/A

Subs not used: Hein, Kiwior, Cedric, Elneny, Nelson.

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