Brentford Player Ratings vs Arsenal

David Raya – 8

When called upon the Spaniard was commanding and dominant. Made two excellent saves from Smith-Rowe and Pepe in the second half and was well deserving of his first clean sheet of the season. Bigger tests to come.

Kristoffer Ajer – 7.5

Did all that was asked of him on his Premier League debut and his competitive Brentford debut. Looked assured on the ball and pushed forward when possible. Looks like a fine purchase from North of the border.

Pontus Jansson - 8

Held Arsenal’s attacks at bay all evening long and was dominant in the air, as you would expect from the Swede. Led his side exceptionally and will be a key figure all season long.

Ethan Pinnock – 7.5

A rags to riches kind of story for the London born 28-year-old who was playing non-league football only six seasons ago. It was more his opponents who were made to look amateur as the tall central defender was physical but in control of his fine performance.

Sergi Canós – 8.5

Did what Sergi Canós does best and was a constant threat going forwards and became a history maker owing to his fine goal, cutting inside, and scoring Brentford’s first ever Premier League goal. Also did a job, so to speak on the dangerous Tierney going back towards his goal.

Rico Henry – 7

Perhaps not as impactful as his fellow wide man but no less important performance from the Englishman. Kept Arsenal forward Pepe quiet importantly and was not afraid to get forward. More to come from the Birmingham born full back.

Frank Onyeka – 7.5

On his English football debut let alone Premier League debut Onyeka did a fine job stifling the Arsenal midfield and harrying them well. The midfielder has a lot to learn about the league but has made a bright start.

Christian Nørgaard - 8

His towering and powerful header was a euphoric moment for the club and finished off the game for the Premier League newcomers. Was able to make the midfield tick and outperformed his opposition.

Vitaly Janelt – 7

Industrious and rough in the midfield, the German did his job given by manager Thomas Frank. Will have harder games to come where the midfield will be classier and more difficult to ruffle.

Bryan Mbeumo - 8

Had more of an impact on the game than his partner Toney as he struck the post with his wrong foot and ran the Arsenal defence all game long. Perhaps a good thing his name has gone under the radar compared to his strike partner which could have been liberating.

Ivan Toney – 8

Similarly, to Mbeumo ran the Arsenal backline ragged but was not able to create anything of note in front of goal. Would have had a target on his back prior to the game but did work well with Mbeumo and could be the difference between Premiership safety.

Subs:

Mads Bech – 7

Bech’s major contribution of the game was his long throw which led to the second Brentford goal and was particularly crucial as it gave his side that cushion to then be able to sit back and absorb pressure for the remainder of the contest.