London: Goals in either halves saw Brentford upset Arsenal in the Premier League 2021-22 opener on Saturday at the Brentford Community Stadium. Promoted to English top-flight after 74 years, the ‘Bees’ went ahead in the 22nd minute through Sergi Canos past Bernd Leno.
Chances were really sparse for Arsenal, after the North London side missed out on the services of forwards Alexander Lacazzete and Peire-Emmerick Aubameyang due to illness. Sheer skillfulness from the Brentford ‘keeper David Raya in parrying away Emile Smith Rowe’s chances and missed opportunities from Keiran Teirnay and Gabriel Martinelli added further Arsenal dismay.
The opening night is a perfect night
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 13, 2021
🐝 2-0 🔴#BrentfordFC #BREARS pic.twitter.com/eJXDEt7sCZ
This was also the first time Arsenal lost their opening match in the Premier League since 1976-77 losing to Bristol City then. Brentford who kept a hold of the game, extended their lead at 73rd minute when a rushing Christian Norgaard beat Leno and netted in an open goal.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, who looked really furious during the match, had no complaints against his fairly young squad as they struggled to get past the Bees. “We started the season against a good opponent. I don’t think we deserved anything different,” he said.
“They scored from a long throw in and we didn’t have enough presence in the box. A lot of young boys were doing everything they can. For some of them it was the first experience in the league – that says a lot,” he added.
A Brentford fan is in tears after his club won their first top-flight game for 74 years.
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) August 13, 2021
This is what football is all about… ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IGNRLV8oX5
Brentford were overjoyed after registering a historic win. The fans were heard singing ‘Hey Jude’ as the team applauded and cheered them along. Overjoyed by the win, Brentford coach Thomas Frank didn’t shy away to admit the efforts by his men.
“I thought we deserved the win. What I liked was how brave we were, pressing high and trying to play,” said Frank after the match. “The players were amazing, they ran themselves to the ground and played with intensity.
“On set-pieces I thought we were better, that’s why we did long throws and at times we could go high and knew that we could win the ball and create chances.” Next up, Brentford would look to keep their momentum as they take on Crystal Palace on August 21 in Selhurst Park Stadium.
