Substitute Leandro Trossard scored his first goal for Arsenal but the Premier League leaders missed the chance to move eight points clear at the top as Ivan Toni earned a resilient Brentford a deserved point.
After a goalless first half in which the Bees hit the woodwork through Toney, the Gunners took the lead when Trossard hit the back post four minutes after coming off the bench.
But Brentford were rewarded for their superb performance at the Emirates Stadium when Toney nodded in Christian Norgaard’s cross from close range.
There was a lengthy check by the video assistant referee for possible offside but the goal was eventually upheld.
Arsenal upped the tempo in the closing stages – including seven minutes of added time – as they looked for a winner but Brentford completed a superb defensive display to hold on for a point.
Arsenal face Manchester City – six points adrift ahead of their game against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon – at the top of the table on February 15.
Brentford, meanwhile, are eighth and fifth on just five points.
Gunners title hopes dashed by resilient Bees
Arsenal have been impressive at home this season, winning eight and drawing one of their nine matches at the Emirates before visiting Brentford.
They are one of two sides, along with Newcastle United, in the top flight unbeaten at home – but that record was put to the test against in-form Brentford, who have won their last five league games. Four won from
Mikel Arteta’s side had plenty of possession but found little joy in unlocking a disciplined Bees defense until their patience was rewarded when Trossard struck midway through the second half.
The Belgian forward has seen a fine rise since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion for £27million last month and was close to adding a second early on with a shot from distance.
But a one-goal lead rarely looked like it would be enough against a Brentford side who were quick in attack, and so it proved when Toney equalised.
The draw for Arsenal followed back-to-back league and FA Cup defeats to Everton and Manchester City respectively.
How they respond to this relative stumble – at least in Wednesday’s home game against City – will be key in determining whether they can win a first Premier League title since 2003-04.
Bees staring at Europe
After finishing a respectable 13th in their first Premier League season last term, Brentford are having another fine campaign and are pushing for a European place.
Thomas Frank’s side had not conceded a goal in their three league games before the trip to Arsenal and it was clear to see at the Emirates why they are such a difficult side to break down.
They kept their form despite Arsenal enjoying the majority of possession and responded brilliantly to the Gunners who took the lead to become one of only two sides to take anything away from the Emirates this season.
Toni’s goal was his 15th of the season – only Erling Holland and Harry Kane have scored more – and with the Bees having the best defense against his threat, there’s every chance he’ll be in Europe next season. Can make football safe.
