PA Images/Alamy Images

Arsenal clinched an important win against Brentford with Kai Havertz scoring the winner in the 86th minute.

The win takes them to the top of the table, one point ahead of Liverpool and two points above Manchester City.

Here is how we think the Arsenal players fared against Brentford:

Aaron Ramsdale: 3/10
Ramsdale made a terrible howler at the stroke of half-time to gift the visitors an equaliser. And he was almost caught off the line as Toney tried an audacious effort from near the half-way line.

He has lost his place in the team to David Raya, but the Spaniard was unavailable as he is still on loan from Brentford, making him ineligible to face his parent team.

Ben White: 9/10
White had a solid performance defensively and was great going forward as well. He assisted both of Arsenal’s goals including the one that won them the game.

William Saliba: 7/10
Saliba showed composure at the back and did well to keep the likes of Ivan Toney quiet for most of the game, however, he did lose a few battles against him.

Gabriel: 6/10
Gabriel had a decent game and was a huge threat for Arsenal from set-pieces but was caught out of position in the back a couple of times.

Jakub Kiwior: 5/10
Kiwior did a decent job at the back but could not provide the same level of attacking threat that Zinchenko can provide from the position.

Martin Odegaard: 7/10
Odegaard was Arsenal’s creative spark, dictating play in midfield. He had a quieter second half comparatively but overall another decent performance

Jorginho: 7/10
Jorginho put in a steady performance in midfield and threaded the game well from the centre of the pitch.

Declan Rice: 8/10
Rice put in a tireless shift in midfield. Was a constant threat from the midfield and was defensively excellent as per usual. Scored one and hit the post with a stunning effort in the second half.

Bukayo Saka: 6/10
Saka was lively on the wings, causing problems for Brentford’s defence with his dribbling and movement but failed to make any significant impact.

Kai Havertz: 7/10
Havertz did not do much most of the game but popped up when it mattered the most to continue his fine goalscoring form.

Leandro Trossard: 6/10
Perhaps should have been awarded a penalty in the first half after being pulled back by the Brentford defender. Posed a good attacking threat for the Gunners, in particular in the first half.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards puts on a show in Game 3 win over Thunder
Hurricanes-Panthers takeaways: Florida pushes Carolina to brink with dominant Game 3
Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner reportedly rules out six teams in free agency
Watch: Absurd Caitlin Clark three gives Fever distance over Liberty in early showdown
Report: Steelers eyeing notable QB as they wait for Aaron Rodgers
Ross Chastain has 'no idea' what to expect ahead of Coca-Cola 600
Royals acquire infielder in trade with Mets
Josh Hart shares one change he wants Knicks to make in Game 3
Jordan Love has three-word response to Olympic flag football question
Notable update emerges about Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani
Rafael Devers saga in Boston could take another interesting turn
Ex-NFL player makes worrisome prediction about Bears' Caleb Williams after book controversy
Pascal Siakam carries Pacers to Game 2 win over Knicks
Oilers-Stars takeaways: Unexpected heroes help Edmonton get even
2024-25 All-NBA teams feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, other stars
Former Steelers safety doesn't hold back on Aaron Rodgers saga
Kevin Stefanski details Browns' four-way QB competition
Duke adds top international prospect to stacked recruiting class
49ers' Brock Purdy addresses his critics after signing extension
Red Sox announce trade with Angels after Rafael Devers news

Want more news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.