Newcomers Brentford beat Arsenal 2-0 to make flying Premier League start
Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka reacts during their match against Brentford. Pic/Getty Images
Brentford made a blistering start to their first English top-flight season for 74 years as goals from Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard earned a 2-0 win over Arsenal in front of a first-ever full house at the Brentford Community Stadium on Friday.
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The Bees spent the first season at their new home playing behind closed doors, but rose to the occasion as they were roared on by 17,000 fans in the first Premier League match at full capacity since March 2020.
Arteta under pressure
“What an atmosphere,” said Brentford manager Thomas Frank. “The first time in the top-flight, we are opening the Premier League season and for our own fans, they can dream. We are on top of the league. We are going to celebrate every win, but we want more.”
Brentford’s Sergi Canos (left) celebrates scoring the opening goal during their EPL match against Arsenal in London on Friday. Pic/AFP
By contrast, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is already under pressure. The Gunners have finished eighth in each of his first two seasons in charge and the Spaniard has a daunting task to turn things around before the September international break with title favourites Chelsea and Manchester City to come in Arsenal’s next two games.
“I don’t think we deserved anything different,” said Arteta in a damming indictment of his side. Frank whipped up the crowd into a frenzy before kick-off and Arsenal were soon suffering under the relentless pressing his side became famous for in the Championship.
Bryan Mbuemo drilled a shot off the outside of the post in the first warning shot from the home side before they took the lead on 22 minutes. Mbuemo then dragged another huge chance wide after turning Arsenal’s new £50 million signing Ben White with ease. The Gunners were without both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandra Lacazette due to illness, handing Folarin Balogun his Premier League debut.
“A lot of young boys were doing everything they can. For some of them it was the first experience in the league,” added Arteta, as he appeared to make a plea for more funds before the end of the transfer window. “What I can control and help, I’ll put all my enthusiasm and work into that.”
Standing ovation for Saka
Bukayo Saka was then given a standing ovation by both sets of fans when he was introduced on the hour mark after the racial abuse he suffered in the aftermath of missing the decisive penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. But Brentford’s players were in no mood to show any mercy and substitute Norgaard made sure of a famous night 17 mins from time.
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