Brentford 1-1 Arsenal result: Keane Lewis-Potter cancels out Noni Madueke’s opener as Mikel Arteta’s Gunners miss chance to move six points clear

Keane Lewis-Potter grabbed a late equaliser as Arsenal missed the chance to move six points ahead of title rivals Manchester City following a barnstorming 1-1 draw at Brentford.

The Gunners were second best in a cagey first half and David Raya needed to produce a world-class save to deny the red-hot Igor Thiago’s header on 22 minutes.

The visitors moved through the gears following the restart and took the lead just past the hour when Noni Madueke looped a lovely header into the far corner.

Brentford responded and levelled 10 minutes later when Lewis-Potter nodded in Sepp van den Berg’s flick-on from a long throw.

Keith Andrews’ men saw leading goalscorer Thiago miss two glorious chances to win it in a thrilling finale while substitute Gabriel Martinelli was magnificently denied by Caoimhín Kelleher at the death.

The result means Mikel Arteta’s leaders extend their advantage over Pep Guardiola’s City to four points, but they have also given the chasing pack some hope in the battle to claim the Premier League crown.

Next up, Arsenal host Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday. Brentford, who stay seventh, are also in cup action and visit Macclesfield on Monday night.

Martin Keown: "It was almost a throwback game, and the referee was almost saying, 'anything goes'. He was happy to give fouls outside the box, but inside the box, it was like he was saying, 'do what you want, guys'. It looked like that at times. Whenever the ball came into the Arsenal box, I never felt like they were going to keep a clean sheet from a set piece today because Brentford were that good."

Peter Crouch: "Before the match, Keith Andrews told us that he wanted a bit of chaos. He certainly got that. It was end-to-end stuff. Arsenal thought they could go on and win it, but Brentford had chances at the very end. It was a brilliant game."

More from Keown: "As I was coming onto the pitch, fans were telling me, 'City are coming to get you'. At the end of the day, Arsenal are four points clear, but Brentford gave it absolutely everything for themselves, because they're a really good outfit and they've improved from last year. They play really good football and they've got options all across their front line. There's still so much to play for. In the end, it could've gone either way."

Crouch: "Brentford are in a great shape, they have worked on set pieces, but what you cant really teach is the desire and belief that they have. They've got talent in the group, as well. Of all the games in the Premier League, coming to Brentford was always going to be difficult for Arsenal with Man City now having renewed belief. It proved to be the case."

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"It was a difficult game for Arsenal. They weren't right at it. They didn't have the fluidity we expect of them.

"They could've scored to make it 2-0 but they didn't. Brentford, all the way through, were a problem for Arsenal. Physically, their energy, and they nearly nicked it at the end.

"Probably, a draw is a fair result."

"It could have gone either way at the end. End of the day, we deserve a point, and I'm happy.

"The squad we have got we can do special things. To play the top teams and take points from them is our aim all the time.

"The way he [Keith Andrews] speaks to us every single day, the way he holds meetings and training sessions. He speaks so highly of the players and staff around us. We have an unbelievable group. We can definitely do something special this season."

On the prospect of qualifying for European football: "That is the aim. We will see at the end of the season."

Brentford 1-1 Arsenal.

Henry off, Hickey on.

Timber races clear and shows real composure to feed Martinelli who can't beat the advancing Kelleher who makes a magnificent save!

What a finale here!

Lucy Ward on TNT Sports comms: "It's another situation there where it felt that nobody wanted to shoot. Martinelli takes the touch, which enables Kelleher to come out and close. He could have taken it first time but there was hesitation."

"Thiago loses his composure at the critical time. He had the chance there. It looked like he may have been offside, he's a little bit wide but you expect a little bit more from him given the goals he's scored. He went for power."

Thiago rampages after Dango's hooked pass over the top but lashes a rising shot from the right side of the area off target.

Five minutes added.

Lucy Ward on TNT Sports comms: "Arsenal are desperate for a goal to win the game, which is opening up the space for Brentford."

She added: "This game has been all about duels, transitions and set pieces. I keep thinking back to that time Arsenal tried to walk it into the net at 1-0 with nobody taking it upon themselves to shoot."

Thiago is sent clear but takes an age to line up his shot and when he does pull the trigger, Cristhian Mosquera gets across to make a goal-saving block.

Lucy Ward on TNT Sports comms: "Brilliant challenge from Mosquera. Thiago just gave him enough time to come back. He did so well initially. Thiago has found himself in this sort of situation a lot, but it's terrific defending from Mosquera."

Dango punches the air in frustration and gets a caution.

It's slightly harsh given that Timber was clearly pulling away at him as he tried to escape down the wing.

The resulting free kick from the right is whipped in devilishly and Raya does well to palm it away at the far post under pressure.

It's the chant from the Brentford faithful as Gabriel clatters into Dango.

The referee decides against it but the defender looked rather nervous for a moment there.

Hincapie and Trossard off.

Martinelli and Calafiori on.

Sepp van den Berg scoops a half-cleared right-wing corner back towards goal but Dango can't quite grow enough to get his head on it from close range.

Arsenal were so good at the start of the half and looked like netting a second, but since the equaliser it's become a very tricky match for them once again...

Henderson and Damsgaard on.

Lewis-Potter and Yarmoliuk off.

But the Arsenal skipper is back on and looks set to try and run the knock off.