Arsenal 2-1 Brentford: Kai Havertz secures vital win for Mikel Arteta's side in title race after Aaron Ramsdale howler

Kai Havertz's late header secured Arsenal a vital 2-1 win over Brentford and spared Aaron Ramsdale's embarrassment as the Gunners moved top of the Premier League.

Ramsdale's disastrous error that saw Yoane Wissa equalise late in the first half looked as if it might cost Arsenal ahead of Sunday's huge title showdown between Liverpool and Man City at Anfield - live on Sky Sports.

However, Havertz delivered with a header late on, just as he did in the reverse fixture in November, to take Arsenal a point clear of Liverpool and two of City with their eighth consecutive league win.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank felt Havertz should have been sent off before scoring the winner for an apparent dive in the final half hour, having already been booked for an elbow earlier in the game.

"It is a clear dive," said Frank. "That should have been a second yellow and a red card. And then he wouldn't have been able to score a winner."

Declan Rice had headed Arsenal in front after 19 minutes following a bright start from the hosts but saw his goal cancelled out by Wissa as he capitalised on Ramsdale dawdling in possession.

Brentford fought hard to stay in the game but eventually caved and are just five points above the relegation zone as their winless run stretches to five games.

Arsenal began the game with a purpose that could be felt coursing around the Emirates, with everyone acutely aware of the importance of victory ahead of Sunday's game at Anfield. Brentford struggled to cope with the early intensity of their opponents.

Brentford survived unforced errors in possession by Nathan Collins and Mark Flekken but the nervous visitors appeared destined to be the latest victim of an Arsenal thrashing. Thomas Frank's side held on after the initial