Arsenal 1-1 Brentford: Leandro Trossard scores but Gunners held

Substitute Leandro Trossard scored his first goal for Arsenal but the Premier League leaders missed a chance to go eight points clear at the top as Ivan Toney gave the resilient Brentford a deserved point.

But Brentford got the reward his superb away performance at the Emirates Stadium deserved when Toney nodded from close range in Christian Norgaard’s cross.

The video assistant referee checked for a possible offside for a long time in advance, but the goal was finally confirmed.

Arsenal upped the tempo in the closing stages – including seven minutes of stoppage time – as they looked for a winner, but Brentford completed an excellent defensive display, fighting hard for a point.

Arsenal meet Manchester City on February 15, who are six points adrift of Aston Villa ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game.

Brentford, meanwhile, are in eighth place, just five points off fifth place.

The Gunners’ title hopes were tarnished by resilient bees

Arsenal have been impressive at home this season, winning eight before visiting Brentford and drawing one of their nine games at the Emirates.

They are one of two teams in the top flight, along with Newcastle United, unbeaten on their own turf – but that record was put to the test against in-form Brentford, who had won four of their previous five league games.

Mikel Arteta’s side had plenty of possession but found little joy in unleashing a disciplined Bees defense until their patience was rewarded when Trossard struck midway through the second half.

The Belgium striker has looked like a good addition since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion for £27million last month and he was close to adding a second shortly after with a shot from distance.

But a one-goal advantage rarely looked like it would be enough against a Brentford side who had been sharp in attack and it proved it when Toney equalized.

Arsenal’s draw follows back-to-back league and FA Cup defeats to Everton and Manchester City respectively.

How they react to that relative stumble – not least in Wednesday’s home game against City – will be crucial to whether they can win a first Premier League title since 2003/04.

In the form of bees eyeing Europe

After a commendable 13th place finish in their first Premier League season last season, Brentford are enjoying another good season and are pushing for a European spot.

Thomas Frank’s side had not conceded in their three league games prior to the Arsenal trip and it was clear at Emirates why they are so hard to beat.

They maintained their form despite Arsenal having the most possession and responded brilliantly to the Gunners’ lead to become one of only two sides to take away from the Emirates this season.

Toney’s goal was his 15th this season – only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have scored more – and with the Bees having an excellent defense against his threat there is every chance they can secure European football next season.

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