Premier League’s newcomers defeated The Gunners 2-0 on the opening day of the 2021/22 season, much to the chagrin of the travelling support. Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard scored in either half to give the Bees their first three points in the top flight.
Arsenal were without all three of their main strikers for the game, and, as a consequence, Mikel Arteta handed a place in the lineup to youngster Folarin Balogun. The Spaniard also picked Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga from the start, who arrived at the Emirates this summer from BHA and Anderlecht, respectively.
Brentford started the better of the two, pressing Arsenal high but escaping the Gunners’ press through long balls forward to Ivan Toney. Toney’s pass to Bryan Mbuemo created the best scoring opportunity in the opening minutes, only for him to smash his shot against the post.
Nonetheless, Brentford took the lead in the 22nd minute. A skewed clearance was headed into the feet of Sergi Canos by Ethan Pinnock. The former Liverpool player beat his marker before firing a low, fierce shot past the goalkeeper Bernd Leno. A few minutes later, Mbuemo skipped past White and his center-back partner Pablo Mari with ease before dragging his shot wide from close range.
Arsenal began to dominate proceedings after the restart, but the Gunners lacked the final ball on the night. Their troubles in front of goal provided encouragement to the Bees, who found the net for the second time in the 73rd minute.
Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard scored the goal, heading in a loose ball at the back post following a long throw-in.
Chelsea are up next for Arsenal, before a trip to champions Manchester City. Brentford, meanwhile, face Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in their next two games.
