When critics say Arsenal could bottle the league, the 1–1 draw against Brentford will only fuel that debate. Softfootball gathered, the Gunners have seen their six-point gap reduced to four points over Manchester City, and suddenly the pressure feels real. In a title race, margins are everything. One more slip, and City will be breathing directly down their necks.
Arsenal needed composure. Instead, the performance looked tense. Softfootball gathered, they opened the scoring from a set piece but allowed Brentford to equalise, failing to maintain control of the game. The pressure was visible even the expression on Declan Rice’s face told the story. Every pass, every missed chance carried weight.
If this were Manchester City, many would argue they would have managed the game differently. City already defeated Brentford away from home this season, showing the ruthless efficiency that defines champions.
Brentford have been in good form, and they deserve credit. But for a team chasing the title, dropping points at this stage inevitably invites scrutiny.
Arsenal’s ball retention was below their usual standards, and they struggled to dictate tempo. Gabriel Martinelli had a glorious opportunity to win the match but miscontrolled at the crucial moment instead of sweeping the ball into the net. On the other end, Brentford’s Thiago could also have snatched victory.
David Raya made crucial saves to keep Arsenal in the game without him, it could have been worse. There was little fluency, little dominance, and very little entertainment from a side expected to assert authority. The title race is now tightening, and the psychological battle may prove just as important as the tactical one.
