Arsenal climbed to the top of the Premier League table off the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Brentford on Saturday evening. 

After title chasers Manchester City and Liverpool had battled to a 1-1 draw in the lunchtime kick-off, the Gunners took full advantage, beating a stubborn Brentford side who sat back and tried to frustrate them.

We got our first glimpse of Kai Havertz being a difference-maker, coming off the bench to seal the three points with a well-timed back post run to head in a Bukayo Saka cross in the 89th minute.

Much has been made of Havertz’s ability to attack the penalty area from deep and Saturday showcased what a valuable weapon that can be to unlock deep defences.

Havertz has proven a useful option off the ball when operating in midfield but has clearly been lacking confidence, even admitting himself that his Arsenal career hasn’t started quite the way he’d hoped. 

A goal for Germany in the recent international break and the match-winner against Brentford will hopefully provide a strong platform for Havertz to build off.

One concern that is beginning to build, though, is Brazilian youngster Gabriel Martinelli’s contributions in front of goal which are notably down on last season. 

The entire attack has suffered somewhat, but Martinelli has chipped in with just one goal and two assists in 800 league minutes so far.

Martinelli has still looked dangerous at times and is often drawing two defenders like Saka on the other side, but he’s scoring just 0.06 of his shots this year compared to 0.19 last year as his chances are coming in less dangerous areas. 

Having Martinelli popping up in central areas to finish off moves was a huge asset and Mikel Arteta needs to figure out how to replicate that more often in the coming weeks.

Playing alongside and rotating with the now healthy Gabriel Jesus could be part of the answer.

After a midweek Champions League meeting with Lens, when progress to the last 16 could be secured with a game to spare, Arsenal play host to 12th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (3pm) as they look to build momentum into the winter period.

Gary O’Neil’s side has looked much improved this season, despite being on the end of a few controversial decisions that have cost them points - most recently at Fulham on Monday when Willian's injury-time penalty sent them to a 3-2 defeat. 

It will be another tough test for Arteta's table-toppers.