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Brentford hadn’t played a game in England’s top flight in nearly three-quarters of a century. The Bees came swarming back on Friday to open their Premier League campaign by thumping Arsenal 2-0 on the opening night of league play.
The Arsenal vs. Brentford highlights are a reminder of how much better this sport is in front of a full stadium. The scenes before the game were enough to give goosebumps
The scenes that Brentford supporters have waited 75 YEARS FOR.
Sound up to hear them in full throat. You love to HEAR this. #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/OLq8KTJS1y— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 13, 2021
Arsenal vs. Brentford Highlights
Friday’s game was the perfect example of how stats don’t tell the full story. Brentford looked the better team and fuller of life despite recording 14 less shots, one less shot on target and only having 34% possession.
The magical moment for Brentford came in the 22nd minute when Arsenal failed to clear the ball and paid the ultimate price in the form of a Sergi Canos rocket.
CAN YOU BEE-LIEVE IT?
Brentford are top flight, and they've scored the first goal of the 2021/22 Premier League season! #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/87HpURszwn— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 13, 2021
The Bees entered halftime holding on tightly to the 1-0 lead.
The start of the second half saw a special moment when the home fans gave a standing ovation to Arsenal and English forward Bukayo Saka. The 19-year-old was subjected to online racial abuse after not converting his penalty kick in England’s 2020 Euro Final vs. Italy. Saka was given a warm welcome to Brentford Community Stadium.
All class.
Saka received a standing ovation as he came onto the pitch for Arsenal. #BREARS pic.twitter.com/LqLeBE8gQV— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 13, 2021
Arsenal couldn’t break through the Brentford defense and would go two goals behind in the 73rd minute off a long throw in. Christian Norgaard rose at the back post to get his skull on the ball.
The BEES are BUZZING! @BrentfordFC make it 2-0 over Arsenal! #BREARS pic.twitter.com/FTmO5aOrdA
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 13, 2021
The second goal was controversial as Brentford defender Pontus Jansson could be seen holding Bernd Leno.
Leno was literally held from moving, how did that 2nd goal stand?
pic.twitter.com/8YoZIO7pPO— Demetrius (@DemetriusXVII) August 13, 2021
Brentford goalkeeper David Raya had a fantastic save late in the game to keep the clean sheet and keep Arsenal off the scoresheet.
22 - Arsenal had 22 shots without scoring against Brentford, their most without finding the net in a Premier League match since December 2017 against West Ham (also 22). Profligate. pic.twitter.com/LtY87TE0mu
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 13, 2021
Brentford Community Stadium erupted as the full-time whistle sounded.
Absolute SCENES here at Brentford.
Fans and players celebrate a famous win against Arsenal on their Premier League debut.Just listen to this! Wow. #BrentfordFC #BREARS pic.twitter.com/7lICSy5elB
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) August 13, 2021
What it means to @BrentfordFC. pic.twitter.com/wDWSOT03pv
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 13, 2021
As things stand the Bees are on top of the Premier League while Arsenal sit in the basement.
20 - Arsenal will end tonight bottom of the Premier League for the first time since August 9th 2015, when they went bottom after losing 2-0 to West Ham United. Nadir. pic.twitter.com/umLwbbrMWC
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 13, 2021
I know things will change with the rest of the games, but it’s still an excellent opportunity to laugh at the Gunners.
