Arsenal look to extend lead at top against tricky Brentford

Mikel Arteta's side face a London derby against an in-form Brentford team on Thursday.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign with their lead at the top cut to six points, and face a tricky London derby against Brentford on Thursday evening. Mikel Arteta's side could come into this game with their lead further cut down as Manchester City play ahead of their midweek fixture. Yet, Arsenal have won all four of their games since their defeat to Manchester United, and are in goalscoring form as well. Brentford, in contrast, endured a topsy-turvy trip to Newcastle United, but came out on top with a 3-2 win, their second consecutive away win in the league after beating Aston Villa previously. Keith Andrews' side are now level on points with Liverpool and are in the mix for UEFA Champions League spots.

Why it matters

This London derby has major implications at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal are looking to maintain their lead at the top, while Brentford are aiming to continue their push for a Champions League spot. The match could also have a significant impact on the title race, with Manchester City potentially cutting Arsenal's lead to just three points if they win their game before this one.

The details

Arsenal have won all four of their games since their defeat to Manchester United, and are in goalscoring form as well. A 3-0 win over Sunderland last weekend saw Arteta's side at their efficient best as they strolled to victory. Brentford, in contrast, endured a topsy-turvy trip to Newcastle United, but came out on top with a 3-2 win, their second consecutive away win in the league after beating Aston Villa previously. Keith Andrews' side are now level on points with Liverpool and are in the mix for UEFA Champions League spots.

  • The match will be played on Thursday, February 12 at 8:00 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. ET; 1.30 a.m. IST, Friday and 6:00 a.m. AEST, Friday).
  • Arsenal could go into the game with their lead atop the Premier League cut to three points if Manchester City win their game before this one.

The players

Mikel Arteta

The manager of Arsenal, who is looking to guide his team to the Premier League title.

Keith Andrews

The manager of Brentford, who has guided his team to a strong position in the Premier League table.

Igor Thiago

The Brentford striker, who has been in excellent form this season with 17 league goals.

William Saliba

The Arsenal defender, who has been a key part of the team's strong defensive record this season.

Gabriel Magalhães

The Arsenal defender, who has formed a formidable partnership with Saliba at the heart of the Gunners' defense.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The match could have a significant impact on the Premier League title race, with Manchester City potentially cutting Arsenal's lead to just three points if they win their game before this one. The result of this match could also have implications for Brentford's push for a Champions League spot.

The takeaway

This London derby between Arsenal and Brentford is a crucial match in the Premier League title race and the battle for Champions League qualification. Both teams have been in good form, and the match promises to be a closely contested affair with high stakes for both sides.