The “Gunners” led 2-0 thanks to Gabriel Martinelli (35e, 1-0) and Kai Havertz (55th, 2-0), before being joined on goals from Youri Tielemans (60th, 2-1) and Ollie Watkins (69th, 2-2).
They stormed the Aston Villa defense in the final minutes, to no avail. The VAR detected a hand from Havertz (88th) while the ball was in the back of the net, Mikel Merino shot at a post and Martinez repelled a shot from Trossard in the same action (90th+1).
Liverpool experienced the opposite fate as the final whistle approached, earlier in the afternoon, blowing away Brentford thanks to Nunez, scoring twice in the space of two minutes (90th+1, 90th+3 ).
The “Reds” are six points ahead of their runner-up Arsenal (2nd, 44 pts) with, in addition, a late match to play at neighboring Everton on February 12.
Arne Slot’s side are regaining momentum after two draws in the league, against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, and before hosting Lille on Tuesday in the Champions League.
“They are the big favorites to win the title“, said Brentford coach Thomas Frank. Liverpool are “a level above” Arsenal or Manchester City, “they are the best team in the Premier League and in the world”, he complimented .
The Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, wanted to qualify: “Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We must continue.”
– Kluivert, first name Justin –
The quadruple defending champion, Manchester City (35 pts), fell to eighth place on Saturday, on the eve of its trip to Ipswich.
The “Citizens” were overtaken by Aston Villa (7th, 36 pts) and Bournemouth (6th, 37 pts), who came to surprise Newcastle 4-1 at home.
-The “Magpies” remained on a long series of victories (nine, including six in the championship) before collapsing under the blows of Justin Kluivert, author of a hat-trick.
The Dutchman had a blast at St James’ Park where he scored three times as many goals (6th, 44th, 90th+2), in one afternoon, than his father Patrick in a Premier League season in the “Magpies” jersey (2004-2005).
Bournemouth can hope to qualify, for the first time in its history, in a European competition. “Why not dream big and see where we can get?” said Kluivert.
They will still have a lot to do in the next two matches, at home against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Newcastle currently remains fourth with one point ahead of Chelsea (5th, 37 pts), who face Wolverhampton on Monday.
In the other matches of the afternoon, Fulham beat penultimate Leicester 2-0, weighed down by seven consecutive defeats. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team is two points behind the current first non-relegation team, Wolverhampton, who have played a game less.
In the red zone two months ago, Crystal Palace is now in twelfth place after beating West Ham (2-0) on Saturday with a double from Jean-Philippe Mateta (48th and 89th).
The French Olympic vice-champion is going through a good phase since he has scored four goals in his last three championship matches.
Crystal Palace, undefeated for five games (two draws and three wins) has one point more than Manchester United, host of Brighton on Sunday.
