Arsenal has temporarily moved to top of the Premier League table after the Gunners secured a late 2-1 win over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to keep their title race alive.

Declan Rice gave Arsenal the lead in the 19th minute after the ex-West Ham man headed home Ben White’s cross before Yoane Wissa’s blocking of Aaron Ramsdale’s shot made its way into the net for a Brentford equaliser seconds from the break.

After the break, Ivan Toney almost put Brentford ahead for the first time in the game after he latched a through pass from the middle of the pitch, but Ramsdale, who was yards away from the goal line, prevented the effort with a last-hand. 

In the 74th minute, Rice almost restored Arsenal’s lead after Martin Odegaard gave him a low pass just outside Brentford’s box, but Rice’s effort struck the crossbar as the goalkeeper watched on. 

Arsenal’s pressure on the visitors’ half paid off four minutes before normal time as Kai Havertz headed home another White assist, which was enough to secure the maximum points for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Now on top of the table with 64 points from 28 games so far, Arsenal’s current form in the league has risen to eight wins from eight games, scoring 33 goals in the process.

The Gunners will remain top of the league beyond tomorrow if second-placed Liverpool on 63 points and third-placed on 62 points play a draw as they face each other tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Manchester United defeated Everton 2-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of goals from Burno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to bounce back from last week’s loss at the hands of Manchester City.

Youngster Alejandro Garnacho created the two penalties, which Fernandes and Rashford converted to secure the win for the Red Devils, who remain sixth with 47 points.