Match Report – Match Highlights – Post-Match Press Conference
Final Result: Brentford 0-1 Arsenal (Nelson 6?)
Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Kiwior, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, White (Zinchenko 69′); Jorginho, Havertz, Smith Rowe (Odegaard 82′); Sagoe Jr. (G. Jesus 68′), Nketiah (Cedric 87′), Nelson (Elneny 82′)
With the plethora of injuries ravaging Arsenal, I expected Mikel Arteta to make some changes to the side, with some of the fringe players getting some game time against a strong opponent. As expected, Aaron Ramsdale returned in goal ahead of David Raya, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu got some game time in defense, Emile Smith Rowe made his first start since May 2022 and there was space for Reiss Nelson in the wings. Arteta also used the opportunity to give a debut to academy youngster, Charles Sagoe Jr., which was nice to see.
Arsenal controlled the first half and scored the goal their play deserved early on when Zanka threaded the ball to Nketiah with the goalie in his mind, and the Arsenal striker showed good composure to pass to Nelson who was in a better position to score. Nelson received the pass, picked his spot and placed it past Mark Flekken.
Yoane Wissa was a livewire for Brentford and almost got the equalizer, blasting the ball wide after receiving a good pass from Christian Norgaard. Arsenal launched a good counter attack that saw Nelson feed Nketiah at the edge of the box but Nketiah’s option to take an extra touch was the wrong one and the good chance went begging.
Wissa continued to be a thorn in Arsenal’s flesh and almost handed Brentford the equalizer when he robbed Gabriel off the ball in the Arsenal danger area and crossed a ball that was aimed at Bryan Mbeumo but Frank Onyeka pounced on the ball and miscued his effort wide. Wissa continued his streak and fired a goal-bound shot that was guided to the post by Ramsdale.
Arsenal soaked a lot of pressure and hit Brentford on the break. Kai Havertz made a foray forward and drilled a cut back that was behind Nketiah but Nelson hit the ball first time and missed by a lick of paint. After a couple of half chances, Arsenal had Kiwior to thank for blocking the ball on the line.
A good run out for the fringe team and the reward for the win against Brentford is West Ham away, which isn’t an easy ground to go to.
Sayonara.
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