Arsenal secured their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Brentford. The match showcased moments of brilliance and crucial saves.
It was Reiss Nelson who electrified West London by slotting the ball into the bottom right corner early in the game, capitalizing on a mistake by Eddie Nketiah.
Arsenal continued to apply pressure as Jakub Kiwior’s cross led to a corner, but it didn’t result in a goal. Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt attempted a shot, but Takehiro Tomiyasu blocked it amid the pouring rain.
A potentially dangerous situation arose when Gabriel and Frank Onyeka collided, resulting in a Brentford corner. The ball was flicked on by Yoanne Wissa, but Reiss Nelson cleared the danger.
Emile Smith Rowe, celebrating his 100th appearance for Arsenal, nearly scored after a clever pass from Jorginho. However, Mark Flekken made an impressive save with his right foot.
Kai Havertz had his shot blocked after a neat combination with Smith Rowe. Brentford had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 34th minute when Christian Norgaard found Wissa in the penalty area, but the forward volleyed wide.
Arsenal entered the halftime break with a slender one-goal lead, despite Ben White receiving a yellow card for time-wasting.
The second half saw more Brentford attempts, including a shot from Onyeka that went wide. Arsenal’s defense was resolute, with crucial blocks from Gabriel and Tomiyasu.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a remarkable save, tipping the ball onto the post as Brentford pressed for an equalizer. Mikel Arteta made substitutions, introducing Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal had chances to extend their lead, with Nelson and Janelt missing opportunities. Ramsdale made another crucial save, denying Onyeka’s volley. Brentford’s Mbeumo fired over the bar from a long throw.
The game ended with Arsenal’s Elneny narrowly missing, and the final moments saw Kiwior making a fantastic block to deny Keane Lewis-Potter, followed by Wissa’s high and wide shot.
Arsenal’s victory sees them progress to the Carabao Cup fourth round, and they will soon return to Premier League action with a match against AFC Bournemouth this weekend.
