Title race tightens after Arsenal stumble

February 13, 2026 Oliver Obel

Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League summit loosened on Thursday night as Brentford earned a 1-1 draw in a contest defined by physical duels and second-half pressure.

With Manchester City having won convincingly 24 hours earlier, the margin for error was slim. Instead of restoring breathing room at the top, Mikel Arteta’s side were drawn into a match that rarely followed their rhythm. Brentford’s direct approach particularly from wide areas repeatedly unsettled them.

Brentford grow into the contest

The home side signaled their intent early, targeting Arsenal with crosses and set pieces that tested David Raya’s command of his area. Arsenal controlled possession before halftime but struggled to translate it into genuine danger, moving the ball patiently without troubling the goalkeeper.

Arteta responded at the break, introducing Martin Odegaard for Eberechi Eze in search of sharper distribution between the lines. The change lifted the tempo. Arsenal began finding space in wider areas, and the breakthrough followed just after the hour.

Piero Hincapie delivered a clipped cross toward the far post, where Noni Madueke timed his leap well and guided a composed header into the corner. For a moment, it looked like the league leaders might grind out another narrow victory.

Lewis-Potter’s response shifts momentum

But Brentford’s persistence from wide positions paid off. With 19 minutes remaining, Keane Lewis-Potter attacked a delivery with conviction, sending a firm header beyond Raya and igniting the home crowd.

The equalizer emboldened Brentford. Igor Thiago twice came close as Arsenal briefly lost defensive shape, and Raya was forced into a sharp stop after earlier misjudging his distribution. Arsenal still had one final opportunity Gabriel Martinelli found space in stoppage time but the chance slipped away.

The draw extends Brentford’s encouraging run at home and ensures the title picture remains compressed heading into the closing stretch of fixtures.

GOAL’s verdict

In its post-match analysis, GOAL highlighted Arsenal’s defensive resilience but questioned their attacking fluency.

Gabriel Magalhaes was the standout performer, earning 8/10 for what the outlet described as a commanding display despite an early booking. David Raya and Declan Rice each received 7/10, while Madueke’s decisive header also merited a 7/10 rating.

At the other end of the scale, Eze was given 3/10 after being substituted at halftime. Arteta received a 6/10, with GOAL noting that injuries to Kai Havertz and William Saliba disrupted preparation but did not fully excuse the uneven performance.

For Arsenal, the margins are tightening. For Brentford, another disciplined showing against top-tier opposition reinforces their growing confidence.

Sources: GOAL, Premier League