Arsenal participant scores vs Brentford as 4/10 flops whereas Gunners drop factors
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday, with the Gunners unable to claim a vital three points at the Gtech Community Stadium
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brentford on Thursday evening(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal failed to secure what would have been crucial three points away to Brentford, with Noni Madueke’s header cancelled out by Lewis Keane-Potter’s close-range strike. Mikel Arteta’s team now sit just four points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side breathing down the necks of the leaders.
Following a dismal first half, Arteta clearly delivered some harsh words as his players emerged for the second 45 minutes with fresh determination. On the hour mark, Madueke appeared with an unexpected header to break the deadlock.
However, the visitors were caught out by a long throw, one of numerous that troubled them, as Keane-Potter capitalised on a Sepp van den Berg flick-on. Set-pieces, where Arsenal have overpowered most opponents, became their downfall at the Gtech in a dose of their own medicine. Here, Daily Star Sport assesses the Arsenal displays….
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David Raya, 7 – Produced a magnificent save to thwart Igor Thiago in the first half, making amends for his own mistake after hurling the ball directly to Brentford. He denied the Brazilian’s attempt from close quarters in the second period too, but was powerless to prevent Lewis-Potter’s goal, reports the Express.
Jurrien Timber, 6 – Advanced into threatening positions in attack but was overlooked far too frequently. A challenging assignment facing Dango Ouattara.
Cristhian Mosquera, 7 – Filled in admirably for the missing William Saliba and produced a series of crucial blocks. Bounced back brilliantly to thwart Thiago late on after initially getting his positioning wrong for the ball’s trajectory.
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Gabriel, 6 – Delivered when it mattered in the 68th minute to stop Brentford’s dangerous move, but couldn’t impose himself in both penalty areas from dead balls as we’ve grown used to seeing. Nearly picked up a second booking with a challenge on Dango in the dying moments.
Piero Hincapie, 7 – His curling delivery set up Madueke’s strike and he’s developing nicely in his left-back position with each outing.
Martin Zubimendi, 6 – Got himself into some promising spots in attack but the Arsenal midfield was sliced open too easily when Brentford started applying pressure.
Declan Rice, 6 – A more subdued performance from the midfielder as Brentford succeeded in limiting Rice’s usual impact. Produced a crucial late tackle to stop Brentford.
Eberechi Eze, 4 – Virtually invisible and remained on the periphery during his sole half of action before being withdrawn for Martin Odegaard. Arteta clearly expects more from his £67.5million summer acquisition.
Noni Madueke, 8 – Grabbed his chance with Bukayo Saka on the sidelines and is making a strong case for a regular starting berth. The England winger displayed a different dimension to his play by getting above Rico Henry and nodding the ball back across goal to break the deadlock.
Viktor Gyokeres, 5 – Yet another outing where he failed to make his mark on proceedings. Kai Havertz will be ruing his recent injury blow as that striker position was there for the taking for the German.
Leandro Trossard, 7 – Another impressive display with outstanding combination play alongside Rice and Mosquera. It’s no fluke that the goal originated from excellent work down a left wing that’s flourishing.
Martin Odegaard (45′), 6 – His introduction injected more intent into the forward line, but after sustaining a knock to the knee, his impact diminished.
Bukayo Saka (70′), 5 – The returning winger failed to impose himself on the match, and his touch proved too clumsy on the one opportunity he glimpsed goal.
Riccardo Calafiori (81′), 5 – Might have snatched all three points in added time but was thwarted by Caoimhin Kelleher, who reacted sharply. Arguably should have opted for his left foot instead.
Gabriel Martinelli (81′), N/A.
