Arsenal fail to extend lead at the top after a "stalemate" against Brentford: Are the Gunners starting to crumble yet again?

Arsenal fans are getting a "deja vu" moment yet again. (Image credits – Heute; Licence Details) 

Arsenal's crucial Premier League game against Brentford ended in a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday. Mikel Arteta's men failed to extend the gap with Manchester City at the top, and it might be starting to slip from their hands yet again.

Both sides played safe throughout the game, not taking many risks, and the first half was quite a snooze fest for the fans. The second half sparked to action when Noni Madueke headed in from a throw-in at the 60th-minute mark. 

However, just ten minutes later, Lewis-Potter’s sensational header from a set-piece situation levelled the score, putting all the pressure on the Gunners'. Gabriel Martinelli could've won it for Arteta's side late in the day, and Igor Thiago also squandered a golden opportunity for Brentford.

The Gunners crumbled under pressure; the home support from the Bees added on to it. From Arteta's point of view, they are fortunate enough to escape with a point and should focus on the next games.

Will Pep Guardiola's Manchester City edge past Arsenal in the title race once again?

Arsenal's stalemate at Brentford reduced the gap with Manchester City to just four points. The Gunners had a nine-point cushion just two matchdays ago, but they've slipped again.

Pep Guardiola's side have improved considerably after their embarassing loss in the Manchester derby and are on a roll. They are also yet to meet Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, which could turn out to be the potential title decider.

Arsenal could've gone seven points above City had they picked up three points against Brentford. Arteta's side visibly looked nervous, and it's mostly due to the ghosts of the past.

The Gunners are still favourites to win the league with the quality they possess along with the fact that City are missing a lot of players due to injuries. However, the pressure is mounting slowly, and if it gets on the players' heads, it could turn out to be ugly for them.

Arsenal were in a similar position back in 2023 but dropped silly points against mid-table clubs, which eventually cost them the title. The Gunners' heavy reliance on set pieces has somewhat turned into a disadvantage too.

Arteta's side are lacking much threat up top from open play which could turn out to be a problem against big teams ahead in the league. Pep Guardiola's side are lurking, but for now Arsenal can breathe and grind.