The palpable sense of relief at the Emirates Stadium when Kai Havertz netted the late winner was nowhere stronger than the half-pitted ears of the lone man inside Arsenal who was on his knees and dared to provoke the traveling Brentford fans.
For much of the match it looked like Aaron Ramsdale had single-handedly cost his side top spot in the Premier League with a colossal error. But as fear among home fans deepened with each passing minute, Arsenal pulled off a crucial and controversial win to ensure they get into the table ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City’s clash on Sunday afternoon.
Relating to: Ramsdale’s confusing day raises old questions about Arsenal’s title credentials | Jonathan Wilson
That Havertz should be the savior was fitting, given the German’s good run of form, which resulted in the entire pitch being serenaded at the final whistle.
“If someone had told me in the first two or three months [of the season] “It’s hard to believe that the whole stadium will sing his song with the passion they have for him,” admitted Mikel Arteta.
His opposite number, Thomas Frank, was less impressed. Havertz, who had already received a yellow card, appeared to throw himself to the ground in Brentford’s penalty area in the 66th minute after a challenge from Nathan Collins made no contact. However, the referee left the attempt to trick him unpunished.
“It was a clear-cut dive,” Frank said. “This should have resulted in a red card and he wouldn’t have scored the winning goal. “I think Havertz should not be on the field when he scores.”
No one could have been more grateful to him than the less spotted Ramsdale. Being allowed even just his second Premier League start since early September was nothing more than accidental loan arrangements; the other was against Brentford after loanee David Raya failed to face his parent club.
The unfavourite goalkeeper was desperate to attract attention as he considered a possible future away from the Emirates. There was no doubt that he did this, but in an extremely grave way.
Arsenal were so dominant in almost every shot of the first half that their 1-0 scoreline in the final minute of first-half stoppage time was only a faint reflection of the gulf between the two sides. But just as the referee was thinking of ending proceedings, Ramsdale dropped a rattle that would surely end his hopes of reviving his Arsenal career, despite two superb saves in the second half.
Under no pressure when Gabriel handed the ball back to him, Ramsdale’s first touch was enough for him to pick his target, but his thought rate was appallingly slow.
After lingering on the ball for an incomprehensibly long time, he paid the ultimate price when a stubborn Yoane Wissa fired a long-delayed effort into the front of the penalty area. As the ball ricocheted towards his goal, Ramsdale had a moment to consider the cost of his mistake as he watched the ball head towards the empty net. “You’re such an asshole, David Raya,” enthusiastic traveling fans chanted.
They had had a torrid first half up to that point, grateful to be only a goal behind; This happened when Bukayo Saka passed the ball back to Ben White, who had enough time to cut out a neat cross for Declan Rice to attack with venom. The title was very emphatic.
Relating to: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford: Premier League – as it is
Desperate for an uneventful second half, Ramsdale was called on 10 minutes after the break when Ivan Toney sent in a poorly deflected first-time shot from 35 yards. He looked set to fly over Ramsdale, who was positioned near the penalty spot, but his desperate return dive was enough to deflect the ball at full stretch.
Against an increasingly frantic home support, Arsenal twice came close, with Gabriel’s header stopping on the goal line and Rice’s long-range cracking curling towards the intersection between the crossbar and the post.
Ramsdale, seemingly intent on filling every section of the matchday bingo card, made a blinding save to deny Collins’ header and with hope slipping away, Havertz uncorked the balloon.
“I’m really happy, especially because he’s a man of tremendous personality and courage,” said Arteta, of Ramsdale, who became the last player to leave the Emirates pitch after admiring every section of Arsenal fans.
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“Mistakes are part of football. It’s how you react to it. It was probably the toughest position, especially for goalkeepers, but he reacted incredibly. I wasn’t surprised. We wanted to win for him so bad.”
“I felt great. We had to dig in and earn the right to win. If you want to be there, you have to win these kinds of matches.”
Frank emphasized that he was “very proud” of what he described as the “incredible change” in his team. If Arsenal continue their eight-game winning streak, they may consider how close they came to taking on the Premier League champions.