Kai Havertz scored a late winner to let Aaron Ramsdale off the hook on Saturday, with Arsenal going top of the Premier League thanks to a narrow 2-1 victory at home to Brentford. Yoane Wissa had levelled for the Bees after Declan Rice opened the scoring, but Havertz’s header decided the day as Express Sport takes you through four key talking points…
Ramsdale brutally taunted
Despite the late turnaround, Ramsdale’s blunder will inevitably stick out as the most memorable moment of Saturday’s showdown. The Gunners goalkeeper took too long on the ball in first-half stoppage time as Wissa closed down, and his clearance cannoned off the Brentford forward before looping into the net.
Ramsdale was only playing because starting stopper David Raya – on loan from Brentford – was ineligible against his parent club. And Bees fans took their opportunity to twist the knife in the wake of Ramsdale’s mistake, chanting: “You’re just a s*** David Raya.”
Gabriel shows true colours
Ramsdale cut a dejected figure when Arsenal re-emerged for the second period. As the 10 outfield players linked arms and huddled together before the match restarted, Ramsdale stood alone outside the circle.
That was until Gabriel Magalhaes grabbed him, brought him into the group and offered him a handshake afterwards. It was a classy gesture from the Brazilian, who is broadly held to be one of the key leaders in Mikel Arteta’s dressing room. And that togetherness proved vital as Arsenal battled to victory late on.
Over to you, City and Liverpool
The Gunners slipping up was never in the script, as a draw would have left them level on points with Manchester City and one behind Liverpool, having played a game more than both sides.
That wouldn’t have borne thinking about for Arteta, and thankfully for the Spaniard, he doesn’t have to. Victory sends Arsenal top of the Premier League ahead of City’s visit to Anfield, and they will stay there if the two sides play out a draw.
