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Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal could not handle Brentford’s set-piece ‘chaos’

  • Lewis-Potter equalises from long throw by Kayode

  • Arsenal miss chance to restore six-point lead at top

Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal weren’t ruthless enough to beat a physical Brentford team as they missed the chance to restore their six-point lead over Manchester City.

Noni Madueke’s header broke the deadlock in west London in the second half but Keane Lewis-Potter equalised 10 minutes later from a long throw by Michael Kayode to set up a grandstand finale that saw both sides spurn chances to win it.

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© Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images/Reuters

© Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images/Reuters

© Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images/Reuters

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FA Cup fourth round: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Burnley have the chance of a Cup run, Leicester fear an unwelcome repeat and Brighton fans get a raw deal

Chelsea have kept two clean sheets in 10 games since appointing Liam Rosenior as head coach last month. Repeated doziness at the back has cost them. They have held commanding advantages against Charlton, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Leeds, only to give away silly goals. It is a bad habit and proved costly when a 2-0 lead was squandered during Tuesday’s draw with Leeds. Rosenior was livid afterwards, and is waiting for a consistent performance. Chelsea travel to Hull , Rosenior’s former club, on Friday night. They will surely advance against Championship opponents, but how they do it will matter. It is time for them to get serious. Jacob Steinberg

Hull City v Chelsea, Friday 7.45pm (all times GMT)

Burton Albion v West Ham, Saturday 12.15pm

Burnley v Mansfield, Saturday 3pm

Southampton v Leicester, Saturday 3pm

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© Composite: Getty Images

© Composite: Getty Images

© Composite: Getty Images

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Keane Lewis-Potter header earns Brentford point to deny leaders Arsenal

This was billed as a test of Arsenal’s mettle after Manchester City had picked themselves off the canvas against Liverpool at Anfield to reignite the title race. But having seen their lead at the top whittled down to three points since the weekend, Mikel Arteta’s side showed their fallibility as they were held by a dogged Brentford side who felt that they should have even claimed victory.

Just when they needed to put in a statement performance, Arsenal were edgy throughout and struggled to create anything of note until Noni Madueke opened the scoring. Keane Lewis-Potter’s equaliser that came from a Michael Kayode long throw was fully deserved as Keith Andrews’ side showed exactly why they are enjoying such a successful season since he stepped up to replace Thomas Frank last summer.

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© Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

© Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

© Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

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Brentford v Arsenal: Premier League – live

⚽ Premier League updates from the 8pm (GMT) kick-off
Tables | Top scorers | Follow us on Bluesky | Mail Scott

Meanwhile last night … here are the reasons Arsenal will be looking anxiously over their shoulder.

Brentford boss Keith Andrews, exuding supercool, speaks to TNT Sports. “[We will] approach the game in a very confident but humble way … we’re very aware of what will be thrown at us tonight … [Arsenal] are a phenomenal team with phenomenal individuals … well-coached in every aspect of the game … we’ll have to match that and perform very, very well … but equally we’re a pretty good team ourselves … I hope [this game] is chaos … I like creating chaos … you want to feel like you’re in control [so] if you can alter that plan in any way, and you can remain calm amongst it, then that puts you in a good place … we’ll try to make it uncomfortable for them … we’ll have to raise our levels, and our levels are pretty good! … we’re a humble, hungry group … hopefully we can achieve something special.”

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© Photograph: David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images

© Photograph: David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images

© Photograph: David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images

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