Saliba: 'Sometimes it is good to suffer like this and win at the end'

The French defender said the challenge faced from Brentford was a much different one to the ones in recent weeks.

TOUGH: William Saliba is happy with Arsenal's win against Brentford and that they have become a tough team to beat at home.

Premier League: Arsenal 2 Brentford 1.

Arsenal are sticking around in this Premier League title race, with their late win against Brentford proving that they can win any which way.

After two months of free scoring frenzies, the Bees suffocated most of their attacking intent at the Emirates but the Gunners' new-found mental fortitude was on display for everyone to see as they made it eight wins on the bounce in their quest for the title.

Arsenal got off to the perfect start in the 19th minute. Intricate play between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka found Ben White on the edge of the box, with his cross into box met by Declan Rice, who powered his header into the bottom corner to set the Gunners on their way.

But Brentford drew level on the stroke of half-time through Yoane Wissa, after the forward's attempt at blocking the returning Aaron Ramsdale's clearance bounced over the line.

However it was Mikel Arteta's side who eventually found the key to the lock as Kai Havertz converted another Ben White assist to send the Gunners top in dramatic circumstances.

Arsenal's recent hot streak has been mesmerising to watch, but Thomas Frank's side came with a resolute attitude and an aggressive gameplan to stymie ther Gunners' flow.

Defender William Saliba admitted the challenge faced from Brentford was a much different one to the ones in recent weeks.

"We cannot win every game 5-0 or 6-0, but it was a good mentality from the team today because we were 1-1 at half-time and we came back in the second-half with a good intention. We scored at the end, so it was a good day for us. Today wasn't an easy game and we responded well. We have to keep going like this."

Ramsdale's return had been the name on everyone's lips heading into the match, but his mistake was a sucker punch for a player who had been on the sidelines for the last six months. That error did not get to 25-year-old, and he produced a couple of massive second half moments to keep the title bid on track.

First an outstanding stretching save in the 55th minute from Ivan Toney's ambitious long range shot, and then a smart stop 70 minutes in to deny Nathan Collins. It was a test Ramsdale passed with flying colours, with Saliba standing by the shot stopper through his difficult moment.

"Every player make mistakes, last month I made two mistakes and my team-mates were with me. We are always together, we respond well – he responded well as well, he had three good saves and I am so happy for him."

But the never-say-die attitude on display from Arteta's men was there for everyone to see, given the circumstances and the prize at stake for the victory. Havertz's late goal was evident of that. So far this campaign whenever the Gunners get in this type of precious position, they do not stress and grind it out to get themselves across the line.

The maturity of this young side has definitely improved, and Saliba was confident that his side would turn the result in their favour.

"We knew we could score in the second-half, we had the capacity and the quality. We didn't give up and that's good from the team, because we couldn't have an easy game. So today was good from the team and we have to keep going like this.

"We know we have the capacity to score at any moment. Sometimes it is good to suffer like this and win at the end."

Arsenal: Ramsdale 5; White 7, Saliba 6, Gabriel 6, Kiwior (Zinchenko, 79') 5, Jorginho (Jesus, 70') 5, Rice 8, Odegaard (Partey, 90+') 7, Trossard (Nelson, 79') 6, Havertz 7, Saka 6.

Subs not used: Hein, Cedric, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Nketiah.

Brentford: Flekken 6; Roerslev 5, Collins 6, Zanka (Damsgaard, 90') 5, Ajer 6, Lewis-Potter 5, Onyeka (Yarmoliuk, 78') 5, Norgaard (Jensen, 33') 5, Janelt (Ghoddos, 90') 6, Wissa (Maupay, 78') 7, Toney 6.

Subs not used: Strakosha, Ji-Soo, Arthur, Baptiste.

Referee: Rob Jones