Job Done ππ₯
Brentford's strong start to the season continued last time out as the Londoners romped to a 5-2 victory over Leeds United. Only Manchester City have scored more goals than the Bees' 15 so far this season, and they now welcomed Arsenal having lost just one of their last 17 home league London derbies.
HIGHLIGHTS
Thomas Frank made three changes to Brentford from their destruction of Leeds. Ajer, Jansson, and Dasilva came into the starting 11.
BRENTFORD XI (4-3-3): David Raya Martin; Aaron Hickey, Kristoffer Ajer, Ben Mee, Rico Henry; Pontus Jansson (c), Vitaly Janelt, Mathias Jensen; Bryan Mbuemo, Ivan Toney, Josh Dasilva.
SUBS: Yoane Wissa, Shandon Baptiste, Sergi Canos, Thomas Strakosha, Mads Roerslev Rasmussen, Frank Ogochukwu Onyeka, Mikkel Damsgaard, Saman Ghoddos, Zanka.
π¨ πππΌπ ππππ π¨
β Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 18, 2022
Your Bees to face Arsenal πͺ#BrentfordFC | #BREARS pic.twitter.com/lJ1CTmW6LY
After starting their league campaign with five straight wins, Arsenal's 3-1 defeat away to Manchester United in their last outing may have tempered their optimism. The Gunners were still in great shape though and arrive in Brentford seeking a win to return them to the top of the Premier League table for now.
There were also three changes to Arsenal from their loss to United. Tierney, Vieira, and Partey replaced the injured Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard. As expected, Lokonga was dropped to the bench.
ARSENAL XI (4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka (c); Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli.
SUBS: Eddie Nketiah, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Matt Turner, Matthew Smith, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Marquinhos, Rob Holding, Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri, Lino Sousa.
Introducing our starting XIβ¦
β Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 18, 2022
π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ @kierantierney1 in defence
π¬π @Thomaspartey22 returns
π΅πΉ Vieira makes full PL debut
#οΈβ£ #BREARS
Previously Brentford won five of their six home league games against Arsenal, including a 2-0 victory in this exact fixture last season. Arsenal didn't draw any of their last 23 Premier League games, the longest ongoing run without a draw among sides currently in the division. This game was promising entertainment and the promise was kept.
As expected, Arsenal were dictating the play early on. Brentford looked alert and motivated though. Doing so Arsenal forced a corner down their right. Saka whipped in the delivery and Saliba flicked it into the far bottom corner with his head. Raya clawed the ball away but it's already crossed the line! GOAL! BRENTFORD 0-1 ARSENAL!
π
’π
π
€π
‘π
π
That's Saliba's second goal of this Premier League season and Saka's third assist. Saka contributed to goals in each of his last four league games for Arsenal now.
Arsenal patiently approached Brentford's goal again. It felt like a matter of time until they got another decent scoring opportunity. Within a minute GOAL! BRENTFORD 0-2 ARSENAL! Jesus peeled away from his marker to nod Xhaka's gentle left-footed drink into the top left corner. The Brazilian put all his force into that header! That was an emphatic finish by Jesus.
πΆ Oh I believe in Jesus, The Arsenal number nine! πΆ pic.twitter.com/9rvQVNRoE4
β Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 18, 2022
Arsenal weren't letting up yet. Brentford were overwhelmed by the visitors' movements. Arsenal kept the pressure on while Brentford failed to march forward the way it was needed.
It's hard to see Arsenal letting their lead slip from here. Mikel Arteta's men were unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League matches when leading at half-time, dating back to their game against Manchester City on New Year's Day. They've won 57 of their last 58 league games when they've been two or more goals up at the break.
To keep that on roll Vieira sealed the deal scoring on his first league start for the Gunners! It's a peach of a goal too, as the Portuguese midfielder controlled Saka's pass inside, looked up, and bend a left-footed curler into the bottom right corner via the post. Saka's assist was nothing special, but Vieira's strike was lovely.
β First Premier League start
β Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 18, 2022
π₯ First Premier League goal
π First POTM award pic.twitter.com/pMGr3i4VCl
The game ended 3-0. Benford were lucky not to concede more. Saka almost got his name on the scoresheet but he had to settle with his two assists. The England winger's been very influential for Arsenal again here.
This result means Arsenal leads the Premier League by a point, leapfrogging City and Tottenham. They've scored in all seven of their league games so far this season and look potent at the moment. Brentford stays ninth, beaten but not embarrassed.
π
’π
π
€π
‘π
π
Arsenal's excellent start to the season continues then. They host Tottenham and Liverpool next, with a Europa League game in between. Those games will be real tests of what they're capable of this season.
Brentford's started really well. I surprised to after watching their performance. But Arsenal is in another level this season.
As a brazil fan, I like to see Gabriel Jesus, Martenelli & Gabriel playing in the field. They all are playing really well this season.
Also Arsenal is in the top of the points table. It's looks pretty nice π. But last few season they didn't play well. At presently, Mikel Arteta's team looks solid.
Hope they can end this season well.
Gabriel Jesus, Martenelli & Gabriel will struggle to make the starting XI, but Jesus and Martenelli can impact the squad.
I hope Arsenal can keep up the pressure for Mancity. Benford have done their job for this season as staying in the top flight is their primary goal.
Arsenal are one of the teams to watch out for this season. though I am skeptical about them losing steam mid season, especially after the world cup.
I do hope to proved wrong. Arteta has made good on the famous 'trust the process'.
The way Gunners are playing is exciting. Yes, the world cup is a significant factor, but Arsenal can use it positively as not many of their players will not make it to the world cup compared to other big clubs.
That is actually a very significant necessary evil. While most big clubs will have fatigued players players, while arsenal will have fit players. But I also hope they stay morally stable. I have seen players are emotionally hurt when they don't get to play in these big tournaments.
For example, Ben Chilwell. Nonetheless, as long as the board is backing Mikel Arteta in all situations, we can expect big things from Arsenal. It is the culture that matters.
I really hope Arsenal gets back to the UCL. Since Wenger left, the club has just not been the same anymore.
I am also thrilled to see Arsenal challenging for titles and this season is special beacuse all the top teams are firing and capable of damaging title hopes for anyone any moment.
If Arsenal can make it to the UCL it will be easier to lure top players.
The problem is Arsenal depands on Saka and Oddegard a lot. While Oddegard will train with Arsenal, Saka will be out their representing The Lions.