White is a threat all night but Ramsdale has a howler against Brentford
ARSENAL came too late to beat Brentford in a thrilling London derby in the Emirates.
Kai Havertz’s 86th minute header from a sumptuous Ben White cross sent the home fans into a frenzy.
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Earlier the Gunners looked on course for a comfortable win when Declan Rice headed them into a 19th-minute lead.
But a howler from Aaron Ramsdale after he smashed the ball into his own net against Yoane Wissa let the visitors back in.
However, they were not to be undone and managed to secure all three points thanks to the ex-Chelsea star’s late goal.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars.
AARON RAMSDALE – 5/10
The first pass was quirky. Great distribution from a corner to put away Leandro Trossard, but he was unlucky not to get an assist. Almost pulled out again, but this time too long.
And then the roar. It took him forever to get the ball out of his feet in the six-yard box and Yoane Wissa was able to attack it into his own net.
He still looked distraught after the break, but made a great save to deny Ivan Toney’s screamer from 40 yards, and again to tip over Nathan Collins’ header.
AM WHITE – 9
His influence at the top end of the pitch is there for all to see. After scoring a goal in the demolition of Sheffield United on Monday evening, Declan Rice found himself in trouble with his cross in the first half.
And then, in the 86e minute, a clincher delivery handed Havertz the winner. That’s now four assists in the Prem this campaign.
WILLEM SALIBA – 7
Lets the ball through his legs for Toney in the penalty area, but luckily the offside flag saves his time. He got his own back with a thumping body check on the Englishman.
GABRIEL – 7
Booked within the opening of 10 minutes for an unnecessary shirt pull at Wissa. There was nothing wrong with his pass back to Ramsdale ending up in the net.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
Came close early with a header from a corner and put in another great defensive shift as well as some decent deliveries in attack.
Reinforcing himself as Arsenal’s first choice at left-back.
JORGINHO – 7
Reliable and stable again. He has been a much-loved presence in this starting XI for a number of weeks and showed his ability to hit balls over the top to great effect.
DECLAN RICE – 8
This man just gets better and better with every passing game, and now he adds goals to his growing repertoire, firing a superb header into the bottom corner from White’s cross.
It is now three goals in his last five Prem appearances, and it could have been four if he hadn’t been top of the line.
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MARTIJN ODEGAARD – 8
At his most influential level with direct passes through holes in the eye of the needle. Without the ball he squeezed the life out of Brentford’s back three.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
Put away by Ramsdale from a Brentford corner, but didn’t have the pace to reach the box. Otherwise wasteful with the ball at the feet in attacking positions.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Bolstered by Brentford’s left-wing duo, he has found it difficult to stand out at times, but these days he is more than happy to take on the pressure as long as his teammates perform.
KAI HAVERTZ – 9
Brentford did well to crowd him into the box as he created a few half-chances, resulting in a couple of tame efforts straight to Mark Flokken.
The German was put through with a beautiful strike by Jorginho and went wide, although he was relieved to see the offside flag raised.
His influence faded as the match progressed, but Arteta kept the faith and was rewarded with a stunning header to take the win.
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GABRIEL JESUS (JORGINHO, 70) – 6
A few nice touches and offered something different with its pace. Arteta will be happy to be able to call on him as the season draws to a close.