Mikel Arteta grabs Kai Havertz by the neck and drags him over to accept the adulation of the Arsenal fans after match-winning cameo against Brentford

Substitute Havertz's late header took Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Brentford. The former Bayer Leverkusen star came on in the 79th minute for Gabriel Martinelli, before producing his biggest contribution in an Arsenal shirt to head home in the 88th-minute. After the match, manager Arteta ushered the 24-year-old over to the travelling support and made sure he lapped up the applause on Saturday night at Gtech Community Stadium.

Following the full-time whistle, Havertz paid tribute to the Arsenal fans for their support. He told TNT Sports: "I am so thankful for these guys. It is hard when a new signing comes and they pay a lot of money for you. I am just thankful they keep supporting me."

Havertz has struggled since his £65 million ($82m) summer move from Chelsea to Arsenal. His goal against Brentford was only his second for the club and he has been used more as a substitute in recent weeks. Now, the German international and everyone connected to the Gunners will hope this goal will act as a springboard for more success at the north London outfit.

Arsenal are back in Champions League action on Wednesday when they host Lens in their penultimate group stage fixture.