Arsenal handed Manchester City fresh belief in the title race after being held to a 1-1 draw by a fearless Brentford side on Thursday night.

Noni Madueke gave the league leaders the breakthrough just after the hour mark, but Keane Lewis-Potter ensured the Gunners paid for their complacency.

The result trims Arsenal’s advantage at the summit to four points, denting their push for a first Premier League crown in 22 years.

With a daunting trip to second-placed Manchester City still looming in the final 12 fixtures, the title race is far from settled.

For Brentford, the draw strengthens their unlikely charge toward European qualification as they remain seventh.

Keith Andrews’ men have now lost just twice at home all season, and on the balance of play, Arsenal were fortunate to escape with a point.

David Raya, facing his former club, produced a sensational save to claw away Igor Thiago’s thumping header, a moment that kept Arsenal alive before halftime.

The visitors were without William Saliba and Kai Havertz, but the return of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka on the bench offered hope.

Arteta introduced Odegaard at the interval, and Arsenal responded with greater urgency and attacking purpose.

Their pressure told when Madueke rose at the back post to head Piero Hincapie’s cross beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.

Yet rather than pressing for a killer second, Arsenal retreated into caution, a gamble that invited Brentford back into the contest.

Thiago again tested Raya as the hosts grew bolder, sensing vulnerability in the league leaders.

Lewis-Potter should have equalised earlier, heading wide from a corner despite being left completely unmarked.

Set-piece dominance has been central to Arsenal’s title surge this season, but defensive lapses and dropped points like this could ultimately tilt the balance in Manchester City’s favour.