Yoanne Wissa celebrates his equaliser for Brentford
Yoane Wissa scored late in the second half as Brentford and Arsenal played out a drab draw that leaves the second-placed Gunners 10 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta made five changes from the side that so impressively beat Real Madrid 3-0 midweek in the Champions League, and this game at Emirates Stadium lacked quality from the off.
It took until the 20th minute for the first effort on target when Kristoffer Ajer had a shot saved by David Raya after Bryan Mbeumo played him into the area.
Arsenal thought they had taken the lead minutes later when Kieran Tierney headed in Ethan Nwaneri's cross, but a video assistant referee (VAR) check showed the left-back was offside.
Leandro Trossard produced the Gunners' first effort on target just before half-time when his low drive was pushed away by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Thomas Partey scored the opening goal in the 61st minute after excellent work from Declan Rice, the England midfielder carrying the ball from deep in his own half and setting up Partey who shot powerfully past Flekken.
Brentford equalised 13 minutes later when Nathan Collins headed the ball back across the Arsenal penalty area for Wissa to cleverly hook it into the net on the turn from six yards out.
Liverpool can move 13 points clear when they host West Ham on Sunday (14:00 BST), but Arsenal's focus now turns to their Champions League second leg in Madrid on Wednesday.
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With such a big game in Madrid looming, Arteta made changes to his side as he looked to rest players.
The Gunners struggled to create chances without captain Martin Odegaard and key threat Bukayo Saka in the starting line-up, and only produced three shots on target.
Arteta was able to bring off Rice and Partey, whilst making sure several of his key players did not play the full match.
Saka was lively after coming on and almost secured all three points for Arsenal when his stoppage-time effort flashed past the post.
The Arsenal manager will never publicly give up on the title until it is mathematically over, but this was a key indication that Arteta realises their only realistic trophy hope is the Champions League.
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Bees clinch well-earned point
Thomas Frank's side secured their Premier League status for a fourth successive season with their draw against Chelsea last week, and reaching that milestone may have played a part in this disappointing game.
Brentford pose a threat for any side in the league, but this match lacked jeopardy with both teams struggling to find a spark in attacking areas.
Coming into the game the Bees had won five of their previous six games on the road and the match opened up for a short time after Wissa's clever finish.
The striker's goal means Brentford have scored in every away game they have played in 2025.
There are six games to go, and with Brentford two points off the top half of the table they have the chance to secure their second top-10 finish in the Premier League.
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