Havertz was Chelsea's hero in the Champions League final in 2021, but has endured a difficult time since joining Arsenal at the end of last season. The 24-year-old midfielder has slowly begun to show why Arteta spent £65 million ($80 million) to sign him.

Havertz's second goal for Arsenal was his first in 10 appearances, but it was crucial as Arsenal (30 points) moved ahead of Manchester City (29 points), who were held to a 1-1 draw by Liverpool in the early stages.

"When you have challenges and you have to overcome them, it makes these moments that much better. That's why people are praising him like that today. It's because he's lovely and a pleasure to work with. He absolutely deserves it," Arteta said of Havertz.

With a third successive win in all competitions, Arsenal have erased the bitter taste of a controversial VAR defeat to Newcastle earlier in November.

"I like winning and we are top of the table. This is where we have to aim. When you have the chance, you have to try to do it. I am really curious how the team will perform. Winter has started, it is very cold and it is difficult to come to Brentford. I like the way my team plays," said coach Arteta excitedly.

In this match, with goalkeeper David Raya ineligible due to his loan from Brentford , Aaron Ramsdale made his first appearance since September 3. Ramsdale's father has recently criticised Arteta's handling of Arsenal's goalkeeping controversy, with the England international surprisingly losing his place to Raya despite keeping the second-most clean sheets in the Premier League last season.

But the Spaniard's faith in Raya was further boosted when Ramsdale almost gave Brentford the lead after a costly error early in the first half. In fact, the Gunners struggled against Brentford for much of the game, with the home side even having a goal ruled out by VAR in the first half. And Havertz, coming off the bench, made the difference with a header in the 89th minute to seal the win for Arsenal.

In another notable match, Newcastle crushed Chelsea 4-1 at home to move up to 6th place. Strikers Alexander Isak, Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon were on target for the Magpies. Chelsea not only suffered their heaviest defeat of the first season under Pochettino, but also lost a player when Reece James was sent off in this match. The second consecutive defeat, conceding 4 goals, left Chelsea stuck in 10th place.