Arsenal dropped crucial points in the battle for the Premier League title after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday night.

The result meant the Gunners failed to extend their lead over second-placed Manchester City back to six points. Arsenal are on 57 points, while City are close behind with 53.

Following a goalless first half, Noni Madueke put Arsenal ahead in the 61st minute, heading home Piero Hincapie’s cross to send goalkeeper Coaimhin Kelleher stretching.

Despite the deficit, the hosts maintained composure and equalised 10 minutes after Sepp van den Berg flicked Michael Kayode’s trademark with his head, which Keane Lewis-Potter lunged to head home.

In the course of the match, both sides had late opportunities to score a potential winner, with forward Igor Thiago almost going through on a one-on-one with David Raya, but his effort was blocked by Cristhian Mosquera’s last stretch.

Gabriel Martinelli could have scored for Arsenal on the other end after Jurrien Timber laid a clean pass for him inside the box, but the Brazil international’s shot was saved by Kelleher’s last hand after he attempted to dribble past the goalkeeper.