In a highly anticipated clash at the Brentford Community Stadium, Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by a determined Brentford side. The match, which marked Mikel Arteta's 200th game in charge of the Gunners, ended with both teams settling for a point.

The game started slowly, with Arsenal struggling to find their rhythm in the early exchanges. Brentford looked comfortable, keeping Arsenal at bay and preventing them from creating any clear-cut chances. The home side's defense, led by the impressive trio of Ajer, Mee, and Pinnock, stood firm throughout the match.

Aaron Ramsdale, standing in for the ineligible David Raya, had a nervy start for Arsenal. The crowd got on the young goalkeeper's case after a few shaky moments, but Ramsdale redeemed himself with an excellent save in the 14th minute. A defensive mix-up allowed Brentford's Wissa to set up Mbuemo, whose shot was blocked on the line by Rice before Wissa prodded wide.

As the first half progressed, Arsenal started to find their attacking rhythm. Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard returned from injury and injected creativity into the Gunners' play. However, Brentford's disciplined defending and quick transitions limited Arsenal's chances.

The second half saw a similar pattern of play, with Brentford remaining resolute in defense and Arsenal struggling to break them down. Both sides had their moments, but neither could find the breakthrough. Brentford's Norgaard came close in the 23rd minute with a rising shot that sailed just over the bar, while Gabriel went agonizingly close for Arsenal with a header into the side netting.

The referee's patience was tested throughout the game, particularly with Saka's time-wasting during set-pieces. Brentford fans continuously taunted Ramsdale, referencing their former goalkeeper David Raya. The atmosphere at the Brentford Community Stadium was electric, fueled by the afternoon pints that the fans had enjoyed before kickoff.

With this draw, Arsenal missed the opportunity to go top of the table following the 1-1 draw between Manchester City and Liverpool. Meanwhile, Brentford had a chance to climb into the top half of the table after Chelsea's heavy defeat to Newcastle.

Both managers spoke about their teams' performances after the game. Thomas Frank expressed confidence in his squad, acknowledging their injury concerns but emphasizing their ability to overcome challenges. Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, praised his players' effort and dedication, while deflecting questions about Aaron Ramsdale's future in the team.

Arsenal will now regroup and look ahead to their next fixture, while Brentford will build on this positive result as they continue their campaign in the Premier League. The draw ensures that the battle between these London rivals remains evenly poised, with both teams showcasing their resilience on the field.