Substitute Leandro Trossard scored his team’s opening goal, but the tenacious Brentford team grabbed a well-earned point thanks to Ivan Toney, preventing the Premier League leaders from extending their lead to eight points.
Arsenal has been formidable at home this season, winning eight and drawing one of their nine games at the Emirates before the visit of Brentford.
Arsenal is one of two sides, along with Newcastle, in the top flight unbeaten on their own turf – but that record was given a stern test against in-form Brentford, who had won four of their previous five league games.
After a goalless first half in which the Bees hit the woodwork through Toney, the Gunners took the lead when Trossard struck at the back post four minutes after coming off the bench.
But Brentford got the reward their excellent away performance at Emirates Stadium deserved when Toney nodded in Christian Norgaard’s cross from close range.
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There was a lengthy check by the video assistant referee for a possible offside in the build-up but the goal was eventually confirmed.
Arsenal raised the tempo in the closing stages – including seven minutes of added time – as they searched for a winner but Brentford completed an excellent all-round defensive display by holding firm for a point.
Arsenal face Manchester City – six points behind before their game on Sunday afternoon against Aston Villa – in a top-of-the table showdown on 15 February.
