Arsenal`s performance dipped from excellent to just average as they drew with Brentford, failing to capitalize on their recent Champions League victory against Real Madrid.
Arsenal fans were excited when Thomas Partey scored in the second half, giving them the lead.
It seemed like it would be enough for a win, especially after manager Mikel Arteta brought on key players who had been rested for the upcoming Champions League match.
However, Brentford substitute Michael Kayode played a crucial role, contributing to Yoane Wissa`s equalizing goal – his 15th of the season – and later preventing Bukayo Saka from scoring a winning goal for Arsenal.
It`s understandable if Arteta and his team are prioritizing the Champions League after their strong win against Real Madrid, possibly considering the Premier League title out of reach.
But maintaining high intensity is challenging.
Arsenal should still be capable of defending their 3-0 lead in Madrid and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Yet, if Real Madrid scores early in the second leg, Arsenal might regret not securing a win in this Brentford game.
Brentford deserves credit for their resilience after conceding a goal.
Despite facing less challenging opponents in their remaining fixtures, Brentford still hopes to qualify for European competition next season.
Arteta made five changes to the team that played against Real Madrid, but Declan Rice, known for his high energy, remained in the starting lineup.
When Rice`s name was announced before the match, he received the loudest cheers from the crowd.
The weather was sunny, and the atmosphere was positive.
However, the first 20 minutes of the match were unexciting.
The game felt like a pre-season friendly.
Arsenal made some attempts, with Gabriel Martinelli testing Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, and Kristoffer Ajer making a timely tackle.
But Brentford had the first real chance in the 22nd minute and should have scored.
Bryan Mbeumo passed to Kristoffer Ajer, but his shot was easily saved by Arsenal`s goalkeeper David Raya.
Arsenal reacted strongly and thought they had scored from a corner.
Kieran Tierney headed in Ethan Nwaneri`s cross, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside.
Arsenal fans were further frustrated when Christian Norgaard only received a yellow card for a foul on Martinelli.
Flekken saved a shot from Oleksandr Zinchenko, playing in midfield, and Ajer blocked another attempt from Martinelli.
Rice forced Flekken into a save, and the Brentford keeper also denied Leandro Trossard, as Arsenal finished the first half strongly.
The Arsenal fans were not impressed with the game`s pace. Many fans in premium seats returned to their places after the second half had already started.
The game remained slow, with most players seemingly conserving energy, except for Nwaneri, who was actively trying to create opportunities.
When Rice took a free kick in a dangerous position in the 58th minute, he opted for a short pass instead of shooting, and the subsequent pass hit the Brentford wall.
Just as Arteta seemed ready to substitute players, Rice initiated the move that led to Arsenal`s goal.
From a Brentford corner, Arsenal launched a quick counter-attack. Rice passed to Partey, who scored, although the goalkeeper Flekken might have been disappointed to concede at his near post.
Despite conceding, Brentford faced further pressure as Arteta brought on substitutes Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Myles Lews-Skelly.
However, it was a Brentford substitute who changed the game.
Kayode crossed the ball after a corner, Nathan Collins headed it back into the box, and Wissa scored with an impressive finish.
Kayode then made a vital defensive play.
Flekken made a risky move and lost the ball to Saka, but Kayode recovered in time to deflect Saka`s shot wide for a corner.
Arsenal pushed for a winner for the remainder of the match, but they couldn`t score, with Saka missing a late chance in stoppage time.
