football
Arsenal top Premier League for now after Havertz’s winning goal
Kai Havertz (r) headed Arsenal late to victory against Brentford. photo
© Frank Augstein/AP/dpa
Before the top game between Liverpool and Manchester City, Arsenal FC moves to the top of the English league. Kai Havertz scores the redeeming winning goal.
Thanks to match winner Kai Havertz has taken Arsenal’s lead in the Premier League, at least until Sunday. The international headed the late winning goal at home for the London team to make it 2-1 (1-1) against Brentford FC.
With 64 points, Arsenal is in first place. Liverpool FC follow one point behind, defending champions Manchester City are another point behind in third place. The two pursuers face each other in the top game this Sunday (4.45 p.m./Sky).
With his eighth goal of the season in the 86th minute, Havertz redeemed the hosts, who also won their eighth league game this year, but had a lot more trouble than last time. Declan Rice also headed the lead in the 19th minute. The surprising equalizer by Yoane Wissa (45th + 4) was favored by substitute goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who knocked the ball away too late and then hit Wissa. Rice hit the woodwork with his shot in the second half (74′) before Havertz was successful.
The Gunners continue in the Champions League on Tuesday. In the second leg of the round of 16 against FC Porto, Arsenal want to make up for the 1-0 defeat from the first leg.