Brentford thrashed Arsenal 2-0 on Friday, August 13, at the Brentford Community Stadium in England to mark a successfull return to the top flight.
This marked their first game in the Premier league for the last 74 years.
Brentford’s winger Sergio Canos scored a low shot in the 22nd minute while the Bees’ midfielder Christian Norgaard scored in the 73rd minute.
Gunner’s Folarin Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli replaced Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who were ruled out due to illness.
However, the young pair struggled to make an impression against the Bees who waited so long to take their place in the new 17,500-capacity home.
Things could have been even worse for the Gunners as the Bees squandered a few clear-cut chances over 90 minutes.
Even with their disappointing defeat, Gunner’s Smith Rowe and Tierney were lively over the course of the game as they created chances for their teammates although they could not be converted into goals.
Tierney produced a credible display with five accurate crosses into the box while Smith Rowe was the standout performer in the side as he barely lost possession.
Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta admitted that they didn’t deserve anything more from the game.
“I’m disappointed. We started the season against a good opponent. I don’t think we deserve anything different. They scored from a long throw-in, and we didn’t have enough presence in the box.” stated Arteta. The Gunners defeat caused a lot of reactions worldwide with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, an Arsenal fan, reacting to the game on his twitter page.
“We just must not excuse or accept mediocrity. A team has to be built with a purpose to win. So when we lose, it won’t be expected! I am sure we all know on whose shoulders the heaviest burden rests. I hope they know too or even accept it!” stated Kagame.