Arsenal mess up, City close! An increasingly fragile advantage for the “gunners” at the top of the Premier League
Article by Daniel Grigore, Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, February 13, 2026, 00:05 / Updated Friday, February 13, 2026 00:16
Arsenal drew on his court Brentfordscore 1-1, in the 26th stage of the Premier League, and the fight for the title heats up again. His formation Mikel Arteta remains the leader, but the difference from Manchester City is reduced, after the “citizens” came menacingly close in the ranking.
The pressure is on the Gunners' shoulders as Manchester City moved to within four points after beating Fulham 3-0 on Wednesday night. The Gunners faced a tricky game at the Gtech Community Stadium, where Brentford had lost just one of their last eight home games.
Arsenal tangled with Brentford, the title race heats up
After a balanced first half, the Londoners opened the scoring in the 61st minute. Piero Hincapie sent an excellent cross into the box, and Noni Madueke headed in perfectly from the central area, with no chance for the home keeper. The advantage lasted only ten minutes.
In the 71st minute, Brentford restored parity. Sepp van den Berg headed in front of goal and Keane Lewis-Potter also scored with a header from close range to restore hope to the home side.
Until the end, Arsenal tried to force a win, but Brentford's well-organised defense held out.
Premier League standings » The fight for the title is getting closer
Arsenal remain top after this draw, but the gap to Manchester City is closing and the pressure is mounting in the latter stages of the season.
Brentford climb to 7th place, with 40 points, just four lengths away from the positions that ensure the presence in the European cups. For the home team, the duel at home with Brighton follows.
On the other hand, Arsenal, who were coming off three consecutive championship wins, will have a trip to Wolverhampton, the “red lantern” of the championship, at a time when every misstep can weigh decisively in the title race.
FINAL » Brentford – Arsenal 1-1
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HERE, statistics about the match
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Markers: Lewis-Potter 71' / Madueke 61'
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GOAL! 71st minute: Brentford equalize and back into the game! Keane Lewis-Potter scores with a header from close range after Sepp van den Berg's cross.
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GOAL! 61st minute: Noni Madueke opens the scoring! The striker scores with an excellent header from the center of the box after a perfect aerial pass from Piero Hincapie
Brentford – Arsenal, starting teams:
BRENTFORD (4-2-3-1): Kelleher – Kayode, Van der Berg, Ajer, Henry – Janelt, Yarmolyuk – Ouattara, Jensen, Lewis-Potter – Igor Thiago
reserves: Valdimarsson – Bentt, Collins, Damsgaard, Donovan, Furo, Henderson, Hickey, Pinnock
Coach: Keith Andrews
ARSENAL (4-3-3): Raya – Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie – Eze, Zubimendi, Rice – Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard
reserves: Kepa – Calafiori, G. Jesus, Lewis-Skelly, Martinelli, Norgaard, Odegaard, Saka, White
Coach: Mikel Arteta
