Kai Havertz scored a dramatic last-minute winner to send Arsenal to the top of the Premier League as they beat Brentford 1-0 on Saturday. The German, much maligned since his £65 million move from Chelsea in the summer, headed home at the back post from Bukayo Saka’s excellent cross to earn Mikel Arteta’s side all three points in west London.
It was a huge moment for the Gunners and one that saw them move ahead of both Manchester City and Liverpool in the table, after the two title rivals played out a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the day.
90minsoccer rates Arsenal’s players from the Gtech Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Aaron Ramsdale (5/10):
Had two very nervy moments in the first half, the first of which he was very lucky to get away with. Looked far more assured after the interval.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (7/10):
In ahead of White and was as solid as always. Didn’t provide the same overlapping threat as the ex-Brighton man, but still got forward when he could.
William Saliba (7/10):
As calm as always. Dealt comfortably with the Brentford attack on the rare occasion that the home side looked to threaten.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Showed little sign of rustiness from his long trip overseas. He and Saliba were rarely troubled.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (8/10):
Nice and bright. Sent in one excellent ball for Trossard who should have done better with his header. Produced an incredible clearance late on to deny Maupay.
Midfield
Declan Rice (7/10):
Showed superb awareness to get back and clear off the line after Ramsdale’s early error. Another excellent display.
Martin Odegaard (5/10):
Back in the side after his recent absence and struggled to make much of an impact.
Leandro Trossard (6/10):
Looked more likely than anyone to break the deadlock at times. Should have done better with two first-half chances and had one header ruled out for offside.
Attack
Bukayo Saka (6/10):
Rarely found himself in any space, but produced one moment of real quality to set up the winner for Havertz.
Gabriel Jesus (5/10):
Should have scored when Saka picked him out in the first half but he sent his header straight at Flekken. Good to see him back in the side after a month out injured, but clearly not yet up to full speed.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
Seemed reluctant to really attack his full-back at times. Looked a bit jaded after his trip to South America during the international break.
Subs & Manager
Eddie Nketiah (5/10):
No real impact having replaced Jesus. Just couldn’t get into the game. The one chance he did have he put straight at the keeper.
Kai Havertz (7/10):
On for the final 10 minutes and scored the crucial winner, heading home at the back post from Saka’s ball in.
Jorginho (N/A):
On in injury-time.
Ben White (N/A):
On in injury-time.
Mikel Arteta (7/10):
He sent on Havertz and the German popped up with the winner. He will know his side weren’t at their best, but it was a huge three points nonetheless.
