Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford: Sensational Cristhian Mosquera saves Gunners as Eberechi Eze offers nothing | OneFootball

Gunners far from their best at the Gtech Community Stadium as Jurrien Timber drops below usual standards

Arsenal dropped two crucial points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

After a largely forgettable first half, the Gunners took the lead through a superb Noni Madueke looping header.

However, Brentford hit back when Keane Lewis-Potter nodded in and the hosts looked the more likely of the two to find a winner, until Gabriel Martinelli wasted a huge chance in the 94th minute.

It finished level, meaning Arsenal now sit just four points clear of Manchester City.

Matt Verri was at the Gtech to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 6

Made up for a big mistake with a superb stop to keep out Thiago’s header. Did not command his box well from set-pieces, looking shaky when the ball was flung in on top of him.

Jurrien Timber 4

Looked tired and well off his best. Sloppy in possession and ineffective when he did get into good positions in attack. Failed to clear his lines as succession of Brentford set-pieces led to goal.

Cristhian Mosquera 8

Sensational last-ditch block to deny Thiago in final minutes. Made seven headed clearances and largely had the better of Thiago. Impressive again when stepping in.

Gabriel 6

Headed effort was Arsenal’s only first half shot. Dominant in the air at the back but should have been sent off for a wild hack when already on a yellow. So fortunate.

Piero Hincapie 7

Much better in the final third. Two dangerous crosses deserved better and his whipped ball then found Madueke’s head for the opener. Solid defensively.

Martin Zubimendi 5

One of his quieter performances. Did not provide Arsenal the control they needed as Brentford gained momentum and could not get them playing through the lines. Struggled throughout.

Declan Rice 7

Rare source of composure in the first half. Bursting runs drove Arsenal forward after the break and brilliant interception in his box in the 90th minute. Tried to rally team-mates.

Noni Madueke 7

Sensational headed goal proved the difference, generating the power at the back post. Largely too predictable with his own final ball, though, clipping weak crosses in.

Eberechi Eze 3

Rare chance to start as the No10 and wasted it, offering nothing. Only Gyokeres had fewer touches and passes for Arsenal before he was hooked at half-time. Massive frustration.

Quiet: Eberechi Eze

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Leandro Trossard 6

Fit enough to start and the liveliest of Arsenal’s attackers. Drifted inside nicely but found no-one to link up with. Relished Odegaard’s introduction but involved less and less as match went on.

Viktor Gyokeres 6

Some decent moments holding the ball up but did not have a single shot and largely second best against Brentford defenders. Did really well though when sending Timber clean through late on.

Substitutes:

Martin Odegaard (Eze 46’) 6

Looked really sharp immediately after coming on, but influence faded badly and execution of passes dipped.

Bukayo Saka (Madueke 70’) 6

Return from a hip injury is a big boost for Arsenal but he barely had a kick.

Riccardo Calafiori (Hincapie 81’) 6

Little chance to get involved in attack. Arsenal need him fit and contributing in forward areas.

Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 81’) 5

Massive chance to win it in stoppage time. Took too long to get shot away, allowing Kelleher to smother it.