The Premier League returned on Friday evening with a bang as newcomers Brentford stunned Arsenal with a 2-0 win.
Despite naming an entire starting XI making its Premier League debut, Thomas Frank's Brentford took the game to Mikael Arteta's Arsenal from the get-go.
Arsenal were dealt a huge blow before the game as Pierre-Eric Auybameyang and Alexandre Lacazette both sitting out the game with illness. Arteta failed to comment further on the matter before kick-off.
The first chance of the game fell to Brentford, when striker Bryan Muembo chased down a bouncing through ball – and his shot rattled the post.
The Bees high press irked Arsenal from the start to finish. To no surprise, the home side were rewarded for their efforts in the first half.
With the return of fans to the grounds, the Brentford Community Stadium erupted when Sergi Canos blasted home from just outside the box in the 22nd minute.
LIFT OFF FOR BRENTFORD! 🚀
Sergi Canos wastes no time in firing a low effort that beats Bernd Leno at his near post - West London is rocking! 🔥
📺 Watch Brentford v Arsenal live on Sky Sports Premier League and follow live updates: https://t.co/68I9wvUQnD pic.twitter.com/OHUJBDWIO1— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 13, 2021
Arsenal huffed and puffed as they tried to get back into the game. Pressuirsing the Brentford defence in the second half, the Gunners first real big chance came to Emile Smith–Rowe – who couldn't convert.
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka came on at the hour mark to a standing ovation by the Brentford fans. The England youngster received racist abuse following his miss in the Euro 2020 penalty shootout in the final against Italy one month ago.
Brentford fans showed their class with a rapturous reception as Bukayo Saka entered the fray 👏🏻 #BREARS pic.twitter.com/yAWkj1bIUL
— It's a Football Thing (@TeamISAFT) August 13, 2021
Brentford doubled their lead on the 73rd minute. A Rory Delap-like throw in by Brentford lobbed into the box found the head of Christian Norgaard sent the Brentford fans into pandemonium.
The bees sting again! 🐝🐝
Ivan Toney wins the flick ahead of Ben White and Christian Norgaard heads home for Brentford to double the lead! 😮
📺 Watch Brentford v Arsenal live on Sky Sports Premier League and follow live updates: https://t.co/68I9wwcrfb pic.twitter.com/5GalGMvRll— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 13, 2021
There was a quick flurry of chances by Arsenal towards the end – but all in vain. Granit Xahka shot 85th minute came close for the Gunners with a left-footed strike from outside the box. Arsenal's best chance of the match fell to Pepe a minute later. A typical Kieran Tierney run down the left and low cross found the Frenchman – but his connection was saved at the near corner by goalkeeper David Raya.
Brentford have laid down a huge marker on their Premier League journey. Arsenal on the other hand, have some tough and hard questions to ask of themselves.
What an atmosphere ✨
Brentford win their first top-flight game after 74 years and this is what it means... pic.twitter.com/R9ZTwDhtf1— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 13, 2021
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