Arsenal consolidated their position at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Brentford to maintain a five-point lead over nearest rivals Manchester City. Goals in the first half and in stoppage time ensured the home side an even win and extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 games. Although Arsenal weren’t the most fluent, their control and resilience, especially in the face of defensive absences and late pressure from Brentford, kept their title challenge on track.
The Gunners then reduced the lead to two points City won 5-4 over Fulham. The game began with Arsenal taking the lead through Mikel Merino in the 11th minute, setting the tone for a professional display. Bukayo Saka added the decisive second goal in injury time (90+1′) to offer relief after a tense second half and secure the three points.
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While Arsenal controlled possession for long periods, the match was punctuated by nervous moments. Brentford’s Kevin Schade hit the crossbar and threatened to equalise. Brentford later increased the intensity with long balls and crosses, but Arsenal’s reshuffled back line handled those threats despite injuries to Cristhian Mosquera and later Declan Rice.
Arsenal’s tactical approach involved retaining possession and resisting Brentford’s late physical and direct style.
CHELSEA SUFFER A SHOCK LOSS
In contrast, Chelsea suffered a devastating 3-1 defeat at home to Leeds United, curtailing their title aspirations. Leeds took an early lead through Jak Bijol in the sixth minute and added a spectacular goal from Ao Tanaka before half-time. Pedro Neto pulled one back for Chelsea after the break, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin capitalized on a defensive error in the 72nd minute to secure victory for Leeds.
The defeat leaves Chelsea on 24 points, now in fourth place and nine points behind Arsenal. Leeds’ win lifted them out of the relegation zone to 17th place with 14 points. Chelsea’s defensive lapses and inability to control Leeds’ intensity and counter-attacks were evident, further damaging their position in the title race.
Aston Villa moved up to third in the table with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Brighton. After going 3-0 down, goals from Ollie Watkins, Amadou Onana and Donyell Malen finally won for Unai Emery’s side.
– The end
Published on:
December 4, 2025
