Arsenal v Brentford Player Ratings

 
Brentford score v Arsenal

Arsenal v Brentford Player Ratings

Arsenal kicked off the Premier League season with an incredibly disappointing 2-0 defeat to new boys Brentford.

With fans back and in full voice at the Brentford Community Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s men had no answer to Thomas Frank’s inspired Bees.

Goals from Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard ensured Arsenal made the short journey back across London empty handed. 

Here’s how we rated the players.

Bernd Leno - 4/10


The German goalkeeper potentially did not see all of Canos’ shot but he should not be getting beaten so easily at his near post. 

Not a very calm presence at the back on the ball, plenty of room for improvement. One save from Bryan Mbuemo reminded Gooners what the No.1 is capable of.

Calum Chambers - 3


Should not have let Canos cut inside so easily and was slow to close him down. Did not show he is the answer at right-back with very little offensive threat.

Ben White - 5


Not the dream Premier League debut for his new club he would have hoped for. Some nice touches on the ball but still plenty to do to live up to the £50million billing. 

Pablo Mari - 4


Less convincing than his partner White, Pablo Mari may struggle to hold down a spot in the starting XI. Ivan Toney was a constant thorn in his side.

Kieran Tierney - 7


The Scot never seems to let his side down. Pushed down the left very well and was one of the most threatening Arsenal players.

Albert Sambi Lokonga - 6


Given an opportunity after impressing the boss in pre-season, the young Belgian showed enough promise despite the odd nervous moment on the ball. 

Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka - 6


One clanger in the first half when he was nearly caught in possession on the edge of the box. Captain on the night but could not find the range of passing that saw him impress at Euro 2020.

Nicolas Pepe - 5 


Did not take his form from the end of last season into this fixture. Not helped by Chambers’ lack of support on the right, but you feel the Ivorian is seemingly always fighting a losing battle.

Emile Smith Rowe - 7


Arsenal’s new No.10 showed his creativity with the odd spark and always looked keen to get his side going. A few nice turns from the Croydon De Bruyne. 

Gabriel Martinelli - 5


Didn’t have much of a look in apart from one header. Showed willing with a few decent runs but nobody picked him out. Needs to have more of an impact on games.

Folarin Balogun - 5


Another forward who struggled to impose himself on what was his Premier League debut. Hopefully, he is given more chances to show if he can cut it at the top level.

Replacements 

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka - 7


A heart-warming applause from both sets of supporters greeted the England star’s return to domestic football. Looked his usual bright self but could not mastermind a remarkable turnaround in the game. Must start vs Chelsea. 

Reiss Nelson - 6


Less than 20 minutes to impress and failed to do so. Remains to be seen what his long-term role in the squad will be.

Nuno Tavares - 6


Showed his adaptability to come on and play right-back and looked bright going forward. But with less than ten minutes on the field, he had no real chance of turning things around for his manager.


Image Credit: Getty Images

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