Arsenal’s Premier League title bid suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by an impressive Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, allowing their lead at the top to shrink to four points.

Mikel Arteta’s side faced a stern test against a Brentford team emerging as genuine contenders for European qualification. With Manchester City closing in after defeating Fulham the previous day, Arsenal started nervously. Early on, goalkeeper David Raya had to make a superb save to deny Igor Thiago from close range after a defensive lapse.

Brentford looked confident in possession, with Dango Ouattara unlucky not to connect a dangerous delivery from the right. Arsenal improved as the half progressed, enjoying extended spells around the Brentford box, but failed to register a single shot on target before halftime. Only the December match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford had fewer first-half attempts in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal finally broke the deadlock just after the hour mark. Piero Hincapié delivered a superb cross from the left, finding Noni Madueke, who powered a header past Caoimhín Kelleher to put the Gunners ahead.

Brentford responded positively. Keane Lewis-Potter missed a close-range header from Mathias Jensen’s corner, but he made amends ten minutes later. A long throw from Michael Kayode was flicked on by Sepp van den Berg, allowing Lewis-Potter to head home at the far post and level the scores.

Brentford began to look the more threatening side, with their direct set-piece play causing problems for Arsenal’s defence. Thiago went close late on but was denied by an outstanding sliding challenge from Cristhian Mosquera. Both sides pushed for a winner in the final minutes, with Thiago and Gabriel Martinelli coming close at either end.

The points were ultimately shared, adding another twist to the Premier League title race. The result will be welcomed by Manchester City, who now sit just four points behind Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Brentford remain in strong form in their pursuit of European qualification, staying seventh and just two points behind Liverpool.