Mikel Arteta rages at VAR controversy as concerning William Saliba stat emerges
Arsenal are six points clear of Manchester City following the latest round of Premier League fixtures - but they have now dropped points for the second time in as many weeks.
Seven days on from their shock defeat at Everton, Mikel Arteta's side surrendered a one goal lead against Brentford, who battled back to pinch a share of the spoils at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal will meet Manchester City for the first time in the league this season in midweek with a healthy advantage still in tact. But they know that lead could evaporate if the reigning champions can defeat Aston Villa on Sunday and the Gunners in midweek.
As the build-up for that seismic showdown begins, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest headlines from in and around the Emirates...
Arteta rages at VAR controversy
Mikel Arteta was less than impressed with match officials after Ivan Toney's controversial equalising goal was allowed to stand on Saturday afternoon.
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The Brentford striker restored parity for the Bees just minutes after Leandro Trossard had nudged the Gunners into the lead, however, replays showed midfielder Christian Norgaard in an offside position in the build-up to the goal. Toney's strike survived a lengthy VAR check before it was finally given - but the Spaniard insisted after the game that it should have been ruled out.
"I've just looked at it back, and it is offside," Arteta said bluntly in his post-match press conference. "You cannot block if you are offside, but it's irrelevant, it's gone."
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Concerning Saliba stat emerges
Join the debate! What did you make of Arsenal's performance against Brentford on Saturday? Let us know here.
William Saliba endured a tough afternoon against Ivan ToneyWilliam Saliba has been an integral part of Arsenal's unlikely title this term, but the French centre-back endured a rare off-day against Brentford forward Ivan Toney on Saturday.
Toney had plenty of joy against an Arsenal rearguard that has impressed, and the 12 aerial duels he won over the course of the game is the highest amount won by any player in a single Premier League this season.
In contrast, Saliba did not fare well in his aerial duels. The France international lost all 10 of the duels he contested - which is the most any player in the league has contested in a single game without winning any of them.
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Merson questions Gunners duo
Paul Merson has questioned Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka (football_tweet/Twitter)Former Arsenal favourite Paul Merson has expressed concerns over Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli and believes that the Gunners attacking duo have gone off the boil.
The Hale End graduates have been at the forefront of Arsenal's impressive form this season and it was Saka who teed up Arsenal's opening goal.
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But Merson believes that the duo have looked a bit jaded in recent weeks - and that Mikel Arteta shouldn't be afraid to change things up if Saka and Martinelli aren't impacting games.
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