Analysis: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal
The two main talking points about Mikel Arteta's team selection for this game were the presence of Ethan Nwaneri and the absence of Kai Havertz.
Havertz has been involved in eight goals in his past eight London derbies in the Premier League, scoring six and providing two assists, but was rested here.
Pressure instead fell on 17-year-old Nwaneri, making his first Premier League start following 10 sub appearances this season.
Both of Arteta's choices were ultimately justified, as Arsenal stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions.
They were not perfect at Brentford: falling behind, disjointed at times and reliant on some defensive errors by the home team.
But if they can keep up picking up three points even while not at their best, Arsenal can keep up the chase of Liverpool at the top.