Arsenal achieved positive results in Week 13 of the 2023-2024 Premier League. Visiting Brentford’s headquarters, the Gunners won with a narrow score of 1-0.
Playing at the Gtech Community Stadiu, Sunday (26/11/2023), Mikel Arteta’s team were dominant from the start. A single goal from Kai Havertz was enough to bring Arsenal to victory in this match.
In fact, playing in front of the opposing public did not make the Arsenal players hesitate to appear attacking from the start. In the 14th minute, Mikel Arteta’s team immediately threatened Brentford’s goal.
Dominating the game, Arsenal’s chances actually came to fruition at the end of the first half. Gabriel Jesus’ header in front of goal from Bukayo Saka’s lob pass was parried by the Brentford goalkeeper, and Leandro Trossard headed the ball straight away from close range.
However, VAR annulled the goal because Jesus was deemed offside first. Even though they continued to attack, Arsenal still had difficulty creating goals. The 0-0 score lasted until the break.
Entering the second half, it was Brentford’s turn to try to play aggressively. Several times their fast play was enough to disturb the opponent’s defense.
Right in the 77th minute, a sharp header from Neal Maupay was blocked by Oleksandr Zinchenko in front of the goal. Arsenal again avoided danger.
Then in the 89th minute, Arsenal’s attack finally produced sweet results. A Saka crossing from the right side to the far post was met by Havertz with a header that went into the goal. This goal also ensured Arsenal’s victory at Brentford headquarters.
Even though it took a lot of effort, Arteta was very grateful for this result.
Because, the Gunners are now at the top of the standings with 30 points. They managed to achieve nine wins, three draws and only one defeat.
“[I] am very happy. I think when you have the opportunity to reach the top [then it is very important to win],” said Mikel Arteta as quoted from Arsenal’s website, Sunday (26/11/2023).
The 41 year old coach said the players had worked hard since the start of the match. Because, Arsenal realizes that playing at their opponent’s home ground requires a fight to secure the three points.
“I think the team showed so much will to compete. That’s by working hard, and to play the games we have to play to win,” he said.
Mikel Arteta said Arsenal deserved three points from Brentford in that match. The reason is, his team really dominated the game in that match.
“We fully deserved to win the game, I’m very happy,” he said.
