Relegation talk seems so long ago for Arteta
SUDDENLY six months seems a very long time ago for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal were talked about as relegation contenders after three straight defeats at the start of a campaign that started with a horrible 2-0 defeat to Brentford.
But in yesterday’s return they were far more impressive than this overall scoreline achieved by Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka’s goals.
Now they are now just a point off the Champions League spots with two games in hand.
Arteta recalled: “We were united and that was a game-changer. No-one was blaming each other, everyone wanted to contribute and no-one was hiding. That transmitted to the staff.
“It’s a long way to go but we are a bit closer to the top four. I’m very happy and we have to enjoy this journey.”
Arsenal played with such confidence and verve in attack. And the only criticism is they should have had a hatful, having had 24 shots in this match.
Saka side-footed into the side netting then saw a deflected shot saved by David Raya after Alexandre Lacazette had gone down under two Brentford challenges.
Lacazette had a goal disallowed for offside and then headed over from Cedric Soares’ cross.
It was a major surprise that Arsenal did not find the net in the first half – but they needed just three minutes to put things right in the second.
Arsenal 2 Brentford 1
It was a fine goal as Smith Rowe drove down the left, cut in and fired low past Raya. It was Smith Rowe’s tenth Arsenal goal of the campaign.
Arsenal had the game wrapped up 10 minutes from the end as they caught Brentford in a three v two, Partey setting up Saka, who finished low and left-footed.
They now have 20 goals scored in the Premier League by players aged 21 or under, more than any other side.
Their day did end in disappointing fashion as Christian Norgaard converted in injury time, with VAR awarding the goal after it had been originally ruled offside.
Brentford severely missed Ivan Toney again and now have not won since January 2, sitting only six points above the bottom three.
But boss Thomas Frank said: “Ivan is a big player for us. He should be available for Newcastle next week. We need that extra quality and Christian Eriksen will come into the team.
“We need to create a bit more but I’m convinced we will.”