FEARS AHEAD OF SEASON OPENER

THE entire Arsenal first team squad and coaching staff had to take Covid tests last Friday to ensure their season-opener with Brentford could go ahead.

Clubs are undergoing twicea-week testing in the Premier

League. But there was a concern over Arsenal’s trip to Brentford and the Gunners players, backroom staff and support staff had to take a test on the day of the game to get the all-clear.

It went ahead in front of a full stadium in front of the live TV cameras on Sky Sports.

Arsenal were without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, who both said they felt unwell, along with reserve goalkeeper Alex Runarsson. Everton were without five players last weekend either through testing or having to self isolate.

The Premier League is being cautious with clubs testing on match days to ensure players and games are safe.