Kai Havertz sends Arsenal to the top of the table in dramatic fashion as he avoids Aaron Ramsdale's blushes

Kai Havertz was Arsenal's hero again as he stepped up to save Aaron Ramsdale's blushes in a dramatic 2-1 win over Brentford.

Mikel ArtetaThe team entered the game knowing that a victory would allow them to take a leap forward Liverpool at the top of the table, at least for the moment.

But although they worked hard, they managed to get the important victory to add eight consecutive league victories.

ArsenalThe evening got off to a perfect start when Declan Rice He opened the scoring with a good header in the 19th minute of the game.

But that advantage was wasted on the cusp of half-time when Aaron Ramsdale Howler allowed Yoane Wissa to level the game.

Starting instead David Rayáwho cannot play against his parent club, the English goalkeeper made a calamitous mistake.

He hesitated on the ball as he looked to kick it, and Wissa managed to block his shot, with the ball bouncing into the empty goal.

Although in the second half he more than made up for his mistake by expertly denying Ivan Toney and Nathan Collins to score.

It was a frustrating second period for the hosts despite their dominance, with the Bees' low block proving difficult to break down.

Arsenal fans felt they should have been awarded a penalty afterwards Leandro Trossard He was brought down, but the VAR deemed there was not enough contact.

4

4

4

But they finally managed to bring down a resilient Brentford baseline in the 86th minute with Havertz closing in again.

After a good job of ben whiteThe ball entered the former Chelsea striker, who headed in to make it 2-1 with just a few minutes remaining.

That goal means the German star has scored four goals and provided two assists in his last four games for the Gunners.

Having joined for £65 million ChelseaThe jury has been out on Havertz since he moved to north London.

But fans must now be grateful for keeping his title hopes alive on his own, having scored in four consecutive English top-flight games for the first time in his career.

And he has now proven to be Arsenal's latest winner in both games against Brentford this season.

With Liverpool and city ​​of manchester To meet at Anfield on Sunday, Arsenal know that a draw between the two teams will leave them on top heading into the international break.

Arsenal's next Premier League match will be against the Citizens at the Etihad on March 31 in a match that could decide who wins the title.