Arsenal's Premier League title hopes seem all but over after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta recalled Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri as the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino were rested ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Despite the flurry of changes, the side dominated in the opening exchanges as Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli saw a lot of the ball down the respective flanks.
Brentford, however, carved out the game's first big chance on 22 minutes when Bryan Mbuemo did well to play in Ajer, who saw his first-time strike saved by goalkeeper David Raya.
The home side thought they had taken the lead three minutes later via the head of Kieran Tierney but a check from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the goal was ruled out for an offside.
Arsenal carried that momentum into the second half and took the lead on the hour mark as a swift counter-attack ended with Declan Rice playing in Thomas Partey, who sent a first-time finish into the back of the net.
Brentford hit back with 15 minutes left on the clock as Nathan Collins headed the ball back into the danger area, where Yoane Wissa was able to turn and volley into back of the net.
The Gunners could not find a way to restore their advantage in the latter stages, even with Saka and Odegaard introduced by Arteta, as the two sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.
As a result, Arsenal now sit 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool who take on West Ham United on Sunday.