The new Premier League season kicked off tonight with two London sides locking horns at Brentford Community Stadium. The atmosphere was electric in Brentford’s first-ever Premier League game and the stellar show from Thomas Frank’s men stunned Arsenal exposing their frailty all across the pitch.
Below are the Arsenal players rated in their shocking 2-0 defeat against Brentford.
Bernd Leno: 5
Should have saved Sergi Canos’ strike at his first post. Made some decent saves otherwise, but the damage was already done midway through the first half. Arsenal could not stage a comeback and instead conceded again late in the game. For the second goal as well, the German should have been much stronger and proactive in dealing with the situation.
Calum Chambers: 5.5
His clearance was picked up by Ethan Pinnock who set it up for Canos. The Spaniard wrong-footed Chambers before finding the net. Settled in eventually and managed to deal with the Bees’ counter-attacking threats down the wide areas. He was withdrawn in the closing minutes to be replaced by Nuno Tavares.
Ben White: 5
Would like to forget his Arsenal debut as he had a number of nervy occasions against the likes of Canos, Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbuembo. Did not look comfortable at all while playing it out from the back.
Pablo Mari: 5.5
Made some no-nonsense clearances, but the positioning, marking or passing game led his side into trouble time and again. The tricky skills, pace and movements of Mbuembo kept him on his toes.
Kieran Tierney: 6
Tried to make a difference with overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides from the left-hand flank. However, his final deliveries were dealt well by the Brentford backline.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: 6
The debutant had an effort on target and looked promising on a few occasions. But he would need more time to attune to the pace and press of the Premier League.
Granit Xhaka: 6.5
Worked hard to win the ball back, distribute upfront and dominate possession in the middle of the park. The lack of creativity high up the pitch led to nothing for the Gunners.
Nicolas Pepe: 5.5
Disappointing once again as his touches were heavy and the moves were predictable. Kept on being cheered sarcastically by the home crowd. Had an effort on target denied spectacularly by Raya late in the match.
Emile Smith Rowe: 6.5
His pace and swift skills from the ‘number 10’ slot were the rare positive takeaways from this contest. Tested the keeper once and tried his level best to make a difference in the attacking third.
Gabriel Martinelli: 5.5
Could not utilise his pace and skills down the left-hand side. Was eventually taken off to be replaced by Reiss Nelson with 20 minutes remaining.
Folarin Balogun: 5.5
Featured as a ‘number 9’ in the absence of both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. The youngster had a few efforts off target as he rarely had an impact before making way for Bukayo Saka around the hour mark.
Arsenal Subs Vs Brentford
Bukayo Saka: 6.5
His pace and dribbling traits uplifted the tempo. But the Three Lions sensation could not make much of a difference either during the final half an hour of the game.
Reiss Nelson: 5
Failed to make any significant contribution high up the pitch.
Nuno Tavares: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
