Brentford were outgunned by a relentless Arsenal side who ran out comfortable 3-0 winners on a tough afternoon for the Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The defeat is their first at home this season and leaves a sour taste heading into the international break, but Thomas Frank's men remain in the top half of the Premier League for the time being.
William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus, and Fabio Vieira were among the goals for Mikel Arteta’s side, who moved to the top of the Premier League with victory.
Here’s how the home side fared
David Raya – 7
Brentford’s best player. He could do nothing about the three Arsenal goals and produced a couple of sublime saves to stop the score from becoming embarrassing.
A first home defeat of the campaign#BrentfordFC | #BREARS pic.twitter.com/dbdoCDKj5N
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 18, 2022
Aaron Hickey – 6
Impressive against the club he was linked with for much of the summer. A constant threat down the right-hand side, he enjoyed a good battle with Gabriel Martinelli, who has been electric for the Gunners this season. Seems to be adjusting to life in the Premier League well.
Pontus Jansson – 4
Failed to get tight enough to William Saliba for Arsenal’s opener and was far from his best. Tested right until the last seconds with Eddie Nketiah snapping at his heels when brought on late in the game.
Kristoffer Ajer – 5
A really challenging first game back after a long injury lay-off, marshalling an exuberant Gabriel Jesus. Useful minutes though for the 24-year-old ahead of the international break.
Ben Mee – 5
The first time he’s looked off the pace since his summer arrival from Burnley. Has enjoyed a few happy afternoons against Arsenal in claret and blue but this was not one of them.
Rico Henry – 6
Largely kept Bukayo Saka quiet and provided a brilliant cross early on which gave Bryan Mbuemo the chance to put Brentford ahead.
🗞 This afternoon's match report #BrentfordFC | #BREARS https://t.co/N3vQZzNABA
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 18, 2022
Josh Dasilva – 4
Subdued against his former club. Hooked on the hour mark having failed to make an impact.
Vitaly Janelt – 5
Overrun in midfield by his Arsenal counterparts. Offered the defence very little protection and struggled to get Brentford going the other way. A disappointing afternoon for one of the side’s most consistent performers.
Mathias Jensen – 4
A quiet day for the Dane. Perhaps lucky not to be booked for a late challenge on Thomas Partey as the hosts’ frustration grew throughout the second half.
Bryan Mbeumo – 5
Brentford’s liveliest player in the first half. Troubled Aaron Ramsdale early on with a strong header and kept Gabriel and William Saliba on their toes. Looked very frustrated when subbed with 15 minutes to go.
Ivan Toney – 4
No goal in the week which saw him named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the first time. The Arsenal fans' chant of ‘Ivan Toney, a stroll in the park’ won’t have gone down too well.
The stadium rises as one in applause for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/YjUIU7zU1a
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 18, 2022
Substitutes:
Frank Onyeka (for Janelt 61’) – 5
Like Janelt who started in his place, he failed to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm.
Mikkel Damsgaard (for Dasilva 61’) – 6
Provided a bright spark after his introduction and had Brentford’s best chance of the second half, forcing a smart stop out of Aaron Ramsdale.
Shandon Baptiste (for Jensen 69’) – 5
A quiet cameo from the Grenadian, who struggled to get into the game after being introduced.
Yoane Wissa (for Mbuemo 75’) – 5
Lively but introduced when the game was as good as lost.
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