Kai Havertz Told He Should Have Been Sent Off 20 Minutes Before Scoring Match-Winner

• Kai Havertz scored for the fourth game in a row for Arsenal
• His goal crucially gave the Gunners a 2-1 win over Brentford
• But Brentford's boss believes the forward should have been sent off

Brentford manager Thomas Frank was left fuming after Kai Havertz scored an 86th-minute winner for Arsenal against his side on Saturday, March 9.

The Gunners went top of the table thanks to their eighth successive win, and they could stay on top of if both Manchester City and Liverpool drop points when they meet on Sunday.

Declan Rice continued his impressive goal-scoring form, flicking in a header, but the Gunners were pegged back by Yoane Wissa, who capitalised on a horrendous error from goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The North Londoners dominated possession, and as the game looked to be meandering towards a frustrating draw, Havertz stepped up to save Mikel Arteta’s blushes.

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The German popped up in space to head home Ben White’s cross, sending the Emirates Stadium into delirium.

“Havertz should have been sent off”

After the game, Thomas Frank was adamant Arsenal’s match-winner should not have been on the pitch to see off the game.

Frank cited an incident that took place 20 minutes before the 24-year-old’s goal when he appeared to dive after a challenge from Nathan Collins.

At the time, Havertz was already on a yellow card and another booking would have seen him take an early shower.

"I actually think, and I would never normally do this, but I think Havertz shouldn't be on the pitch when he scored the goal," the Brentford boss told Sky Sports.

He went on: "For me, it was a clear dive - the penalty shout. If you see that slowly back, it's clear. Maybe, it's difficult for Rob the ref but the linesman should have seen it, in my opinion, clearly."

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Brentford, through their official account on X, also pleaded the same case, claiming Arsenal were “lucky to still have 11”.

What next for Arsenal?

The Gunners now set their sights on a crunch Champions League game against FC Porto on Tuesday as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

Arsenal to go 19 days without playing

Sports Brief also reported on why Arsenal will go 19 days without football action after facing FC Porto.

The Gunners, who were set to face Chelsea on the weekend of March 16/17, will also see their game postponed.

There is a 19-day gap between Arsenal’s games against Porto and Man City, which could be an advantage or a disadvantage for Arteta’s men, depending on how you look at it.