Sergi Canos scored the first goal of the season before Christian Norgaard extended the lead in the second half to seal the three points for Brentford.
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Newly promoted Brentfod beat Arsenal 2-0 in the English Premier League 2021-22 opener at Brentford Community Stadium on Friday night. Sergi Canos scored the very first goal of the season in the 22nd minute before Christian Norgaard extended the lead in the second half to seal the three points for the home team. Meanwhile the Gunners who were playing their first season without European football in 25 years, looked below par and lacked the cutting edge against a confident opponent.
After the initial few exchanges Brentford settled in pretty well and started to look more energetic and looked like having a clear game plan. The Bees had the home crowd behind them as they played with more intent. Toney and Bryan Mbeumo combined in the 11th minute to open the Arsenal defence but the latter’s shot hit the woodwork.
Thomas Frank’s side was causing all sorts of trouble to the away side with their long balls. One such long ball paved the way for the opening goal. Arsenal failed to convincingly clear a chance. David Rayan allowed Canos to cut inside from the right side of the penalty area and fire the ball in at the near post. Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno should have done better as he was beaten at the near post. Just before the half-hour mark Mbeumo beat two Arsenal defenders with his silky footwork but his shot went wide.
Nine of the Brentford starters were making their debut in this Division. Striker Toney had played five minutes of football as substitute for Newcastle in the 2015-16 season. In the same season, Canos got on for nine minutes for Liverpool against West Brom. And yet, it was the Bees who looked the more comfortable side after the initial few minutes. They were strong with their challenges and played a fearless brand of football.
Mikel Arteta’s side started the second half with a bit more intent but the home side defended well. Emil Smith Rowe collected the ball in the midfield and drove forward. But his shot was well saved by goalkeeper David Rayan.
After successfully absorbing all the pressure exerted by the Gunners, the home side scored their second goal of the night in the 73rd minute. Arsenal failed to defend Mads Bech Sorensen’s routine long throw-in as the ball bounced in the six yard box before Nogaard came running in at the far post to head in from close range. It was once again a poor goal to concede for Arteta’s side.
Although Arsenal were without Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Emerick- Aubameyang because of illness they should have done better. Arteta has work to do to knock the Gunners into shape on this evidence. The lack od resolve, lack of coherent plan and lack of fighting spirit was very much visible in West London. Meanwhile Brentford’s supporters understandably celebrated wildly at the final whistle.
Tough games await the top flight new-comers. But they have certainly shown the world what they were capable of under their charismatic manager Frank. Meanwhile, the home supporters gave a standing ovation to Arsenal substitute Bukayo Saka. The youngster was racially abused when he missed England’s penalty against Italy in the Euro 2020 final loss.
