Brentford boss Thomas Frank was left fuming that Arsenal star Kai Havertz wasn't sent off for a "clear dive" just minutes before the German scored the winner at the Emirates.
The Gunners had the opportunity to go top of the Premier League for tonight at the least with Liverpool and Manchester City facing off against each other on Sunday at Anfield.
Declan Rice got the hosts on track with a fine finish midway through the first half, but Yoane Wissa brought Brentford level just before the break.
Brentford, who are fighting off a relegation battle of their own, looked on course to steal a valuable point from the Gunners.
Thomas Frank felt Kai Havertz dived
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But Havertz popped up with the winning goal with just four minutes of regular time to play with a free header inside the box.
The Emirates erupted as the net bulged with Havertz wheeling off to celebrate in front of the Arsenal supporters.
However, Brentford felt the Germany international was fortunate to still be on the pitch after he flung himself to the floor inside the box under pressure from Nathan Collins.
Replays quickly showed that Collins made no contact with Havertz with the striker seemingly trying to win his side a penalty.
The referee waved away protests from Brentford players with Frank left furious on the touchline.
Havertz scoring the winner only added further insult to injury for the Brentford boss, who felt let down by the officials.
"I actually don't think Havertz should be on the pitch when he scored," Frank said. "It was a clear dive.
"Maybe it is difficult for the ref but the linesman should have seen it.
"We are in that spell where we need to fight so hard for things.
Kai Havertz scored the winner for Arsenal
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"You need things to go your way, especially things you can't control like refereeing decisions."
He added: "They [the players] were very angry because they felt they were hard done by with the penalty shout with Havertz.
"You can see the angles, it was clearly a dive. That was a second yellow and then it is 11 v 10.
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Kai Havertz went down easily after a challenge from Nathan Collins
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"I think that was a crucial moment in the game.
"I hope they admit they got something with them there, because last time there was a lot of complaint about a VAR situation marginally going our way.
"Hopefully they remember that when they talk after the game."
