Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Brentford in the 26th round of the Premier League last night
- The gap between Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City is now 4 points with one third of the season remaining
- Noni Madueke opened the scoring in the 61st minute, but Keane Lewis-Potter equalised ten minutes later
Match Analysis
Arsenal faltered in their pursuit of the title after a disappointing performance away at Brentford resulted in a 1-1 draw in the final fixture of the Premier League 26th round. With a third of the campaign to go, the Gunners’ advantage at the summit was cut to 4 points over Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side delivered an uncharacteristically unconvincing display, struggling to contain a vibrant Brentford, who produced more frequent and dangerous opportunities throughout the encounter.
Until the 61st minute, Arsenal failed to record a single shot on target. Noni Madueke eventually gave the visitors the lead, capitalising on a cross from Hincapié and finishing with a precise header. However, the advantage was short-lived as Keane Lewis-Potter restored parity in the 71st minute, following a long throw-in routine initiated by Michael Kayode and flicked on by Sep van den Berg.
A chaotic finish at the Gtech 😯
Plenty of chances in the final minutes but it ends 1-1, leaving @Arsenal with a four point lead at the top of the league 👀 pic.twitter.com/O8IQtuDxJA
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 12, 2026
Detailed Key Moments
Following Madueke’s breakthrough, Arsenal squandered a crucial opportunity to double their margin. Viktor Gyökeres was denied at the last moment in the 67th minute, while Brentford responded immediately through Igor Thiago, whose effort was repelled by goalkeeper David Raya.
Brentford’s equaliser unsettled Arsenal, with frustration leading to several errors. In the 82nd minute, Gabriel fouled an opponent, prompting the home side to demand a second yellow card, which was not awarded.
Late in the match, the hosts came closest to snatching victory. Mosquera produced a vital intervention in the 87th minute to deny Thiago, and Declan Rice matched his efforts shortly afterwards to prevent Damsgaard from giving Brentford the lead. Thiago had another significant chance in stoppage time but failed to convert, firing over the bar. Arsenal’s own chance to claim all three points came through Gabriel Martinelli in added time, only to be denied by Kelleher.
Team Line-ups and Selections
Arsenal were deprived of William Saliba, absent due to illness, and replaced him with Christian Mosquera. Viktor Gyökeres returned to the starting eleven in attack, while both Bukayo Saka and club captain Martin Ødegaard began on the bench and entered the fray during the second half. Igor Thiago led Brentford’s line, having previously played for Ludogorets.
Tactical Overview
Brentford applied intense high pressing from the outset, restricting Arsenal’s attacking threat for much of the opening half. The home side manufactured the game’s first genuine opportunity in the 22nd minute, Igor Thiago testing David Raya with a header. By half-time, Arsenal had dominated possession yet failed to carve out meaningful space or attempts on goal. Tactical changes from Arteta at the interval, most notably the introduction of Ødegaard for Eze, increased Arsenal’s attacking impetus in the second half, eventually resulting in Madueke’s breakthrough.
What’s Next?
The Premier League pauses for the upcoming weekend, with FA Cup fixtures replacing regular league action.
