Jamie Redknapp
Former Tottenham midfielder on Sky Sports

This wasn't free-flowing today by any stretch but it was one you had to win. They had to ask the question of the two that are playing tomorrow.

They did that and ground out the three points.

Karen Carney
Former England midfielder on Sky Sports

Mikel Arteta will have put it on the players. 'How much do you really want this? Win and you go top then let the rest do what they have to do.'

That was a test of character. They came through that test tonight and the manager will be pleased with that. They are where they wanted to be at the end of the night.

Arsenal

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal matchwinner Kai Havertz, speaking to Sky Sports: "Massive win for us. These points were so important for us and you could see that in the second half. We didn't play our best in the first half but it's even better to win it this way.

"It's always nice to have three points in the bag. We talked a lot about this in the dressing room. We want to focus on ourselves because we cannot change what the other teams are doing. We go into the other competition in the week and hopefully it's a good night for us.

"It wasn't nice especially after conceding so close to the whistle. We spoke to each other and wanted to turn it around. Mistakes are part o f the game. I have made mistakes that lead to goals. We showed a good mentality from the first second of the second half."

Jamie Redknapp
Former Tottenham midfielder on Sky Sports

It wasn't vintage Arsenal. It was one of those games where you had to grind it out and work hard. They lost their rhythm at half-time and got a little bit desperate.

You can see the relief, there's a lot of emotion. When your keeper makes that mistake you want to win so much, not just for the team but for him because you know what he'll have gone through if you hadn't got those three points.

Ramsdale made a couple of big saves in the second half and showed what his character is like. A huge win.

Whiskey nose: There is something very unlikeable about Arsenal. Like...VERY.

This title race is going right down to the wire, isn't it?

Image source, .

Karen Carney
Former England midfielder on Sky Sports

It was a massive, massive error by Aaron Ramsdale. We mentioned at the start of the game, 'don't do anything too risky, play it simple' and it rocked Arsenal massively. The second half wasn't the same.

It just didn't feel right but nonetheless they got the result and they are top of the table.

Arsenal

Arsenal are only the fourth side to win each of their first eight Premier League games of a calendar year. The previous three all went on to win the title that year (Manchester United in 2009, Liverpool in 2020, Manchester City in 2021).

170-0: Why did Havertz not get a second yellow for diving?

We've just seen a lovely image. Mikel Arteta has made his way over to Aaron Ramsdale and the two embrace in the middle of the pitch.

Ramsdale showed real character to make two tremendous saves after an awful mistake saw Brentford equalise.

Michael Brown
Former Fulham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

The main talking point is going to be the referee. He looked at it from Kai Havertz and the question is did he bottle it?

Mikel Arteta is on the pitch flinging his arms in the air in joy. There's even a smile on Aaron Ramsale's face after his earlier howler. The celebrations are in full flow at the Emirates.

Michael Brown
Former Fulham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

The title race is on.

Arsenal are top of the table for at least one night after making it eight wins in a row.

Arsenal's players think it's all over when in fact the referee has blown for a free-kick.

Seconds remaining...

Forget Gladiators. The Emirates has served up gripping Saturday teatime drama.

Michael Brown
Former Fulham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Arsenal will go top, unbelievable at this stage of the season.

Arsenal fans want the final whistle now. Two additional minutes remaining.

Mikel Arteta has been criticised for not signing a striker, chastised for dumping Ramsdale in favour of Raya, and come under fire from the celebration police for showing his emotions.

Despite all this, Arsenal are going to the top of the table as it stands.

There was a lot of pushing and shoving going on at an Arsenal set-piece but VAR has had a good look and the decision is no penalty.