Kai Havertz's late winner spared the blushes of Aaron Ramsdale and ensured Arsenal claimed a 2-1 victory over Brentford which sent them top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's side came into the clash knowing that a win would lift them above both Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of their meeting at Anfield on Sunday.
The Gunners, who have been in blistering form since their winter break trip to Dubai in January, began as they have in several clashes, dominating possession, before taking an early lead, this time through Declan Rice.