Arsenal missed the chance to restore its six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Brentford, at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, England.
Brentford could not take advantage of a nervy Arsenal start, with goalkeeper David Raya forced to make a sharp save from Igor Thiago.
The visitors were better after the break and went ahead when Brentford were unable to clear their lines, Piero Hincapie’s cross turned in by Madueke past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Arsenal could have been out of sight when Declan Rice laid the ball on a plate for Viktor Gyokeres, but he was denied by Micheal Kayode’s last-ditch tackle.
Brentford levelled 10 minutes later when Kayode’s long throw was flicked to the back post,where Lewis-Potter sent a header into the top corner.
Striker Igor Thiago could have snatched victory late on for Brentford, but Cristhian Mosquera made a superb tackle.
Brentford goalkeeper Kelleher then denied Gabriel Martinelli one-on-one in a breathless end to the game.
The result lifted Arsenal on to 57 points from 26 games, four (4) ahead of Manchester City, after their 3-0 victory at Fulham kept the pressure on.
Manager Mikel Arteta insists his side’s approach would not change.
“We have to do our job and we are going to have to come to all these places, the same as the rest of the teams, and we know how tough it is,” Arteta said.
“You have to be at your best every game and have the luck that you need as well in games to conquer the three points each week.”
Brentford are seventh on 40 points, four behind fifth-placed Chelsea and remain on course to qualify for European football for the first time.
