Mikel Arteta reacts as Arsenal F.C. drop crucial points at Brentford F.C.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that “it wasn’t meant to be” after his side missed the opportunity to open up a six-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table following a 1-1 draw away at Brentford on Thursday night.

The Gunners, who went into the fixture knowing a win would strengthen their grip on the title race, were forced to settle for a point despite creating several promising chances.

Arsenal took the lead through Noni Madueke, who rose highest to head home and give the visitors a deserved advantage.

However, Brentford responded with resilience, and Keane Lewis-Potter restored parity for the hosts with a composed finish to ensure the Bees shared the spoils.

The decisive moment nearly arrived late in the game when Gabriel Martinelli found himself one-on-one with Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher. But Kelleher reacted sharply to deny the Brazilian winger, preserving the draw and frustrating the league leaders.

Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Arteta acknowledged how fine the margins can be at the top level.

“We had a massive chance in the end, one-v-one for Gabriel Martinelli but it wasn’t meant to be,” the Spaniard said after the match.

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The result means Arsenal failed to extend their lead at the summit to six points, keeping the title race tightly contested as the season progresses.

Speaking on the broader challenge of maintaining momentum in the race for the crown, Arteta stressed the importance of consistency and composure.

“We have to do our job and come to all these places like the rest of the teams,” he added. “You have to be at your best every game and have the luck as well you need in games to conquer the three points each week.”

The draw underscores the growing intensity of the title battle, with every dropped point potentially decisive as rivals continue to apply pressure.

Arsenal will now turn their attention to their next fixture, knowing that consistency and clinical finishing will be crucial in their quest to lift the trophy at the end of the campaign.