A late Kai Havertz winner was enough to see Arsenal move to the Premier League summit as they beat Brentford 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal were made to work for the three points by their London rivals but they showed the grit, character and determination needed to get over the line, pick up their eighth successive Premier League victory and leapfrog both Man City and Liverpool in the process.
The Gunners were the better side from the off and opened the scoring before the 20 minute mark as Declan Rice rose to nod home the first goal of the night. The England international has been in tremendous form of late and his latest effort was his sixth of the season from the Arsenal midfield.
However, despite failing to work Aaron Ramsdale for much of the first half, Brentford managed to hit back just before the break. Chasing a pass back to Ramsdale, Yoane Wissa managed to block the goalkeeper's attempted clearance and inadvertently divert the ball into the back of the Arsenal net.
Ramsdale made a number of key saves to redeem himself in the second half but he must have been the most relieved man in north London when Havertz got up to meet a Ben White cross in the 86th minute of the contest to secure the three points.
With the title race heating up, Arsenal continue to turn up the pressure on Liverpool and City, who go head to head on Sunday at Anfield. Mikel Arteta's side will be watching that game closely, of course, with the knowledge that while they may be forced to surrender top spot, they can't fall further than second. With 10 games to go, Arsenal are well and truly in this title race.
Here's our player ratings on the night.
1. Aaron Ramsdale - 6
Committed the error that led to the Brentford goal on his return to the starting line-up but redeemed himself by making a several impressive saves in the second half.
2. Ben White - 8
Picked out Declan Rice to claim a peach of an assist. Got forward well and dealt with the threat of Keane Lewis-Potter well. Showed his quality late on to assist Havertz, too.
3. William Saliba - 6
Steady away. Called into action on several occasions as the visitors grew in belief.
4. Gabriel - 7
Another fiesty showing but showed his threat from setpieces and helped to keep Ivan Toney queit.