Match Preview for Brentford v Arsenal
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must not be sidetracked by matters elsewhere and remain fully focused on winning the Premier League title.
The Gunners head to Brentford tomorrow night with a three-point advantage at the top of the tableif, as expected, closest challengers Manchester City see off Fulham at the Etihad tonight.
City’s challenge appeared to be falling by the wayside when they trailed Liverpool 1-0 in the 84th minute at Anfield on Sunday. But late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland turned the game around and kept Pep Guardiola’s men very much in the hunt.
“I understand [the frustration that City won]but these are things we cannot control,” Arteta said before the game at the Gtech Community Stadium. “We have to focus on us, in the present, and every three days what’s coming, and just enjoy that.”
Arsenal will follow City this midweek and they play again in the Premier League – at Wolves next Wednesday – before Guardiola’s men return to top-flight action.
It creates an opening for Arteta’s side to establish a healthy gap at the summit but the Spaniard refused to get too excited.
“Remain focused, because that’s going to happen between now and the end of the season, as it has happened in the last six months, so it’s something normal, natural – and I’m looking forward to it,” he added.
Brentford were tipped by many to struggle this season following the departure of head coach Thomas Frank and key players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard. But they have thrived under Keith Andrews and remain in contention for a European spot.
Arteta said: “It’s another tough game. We know [Brentford] at home as well, the last few results they have had, the coaching staff have been amazing. So, credit to them, because they’re a top side.”
Arsenal are a formidable attacking force but Andrews insists his team should not be taken lightly.
He said: “We’re a pretty good attacking team ourselves. We’ve got a lot of strengths to how we play the game. There’s absolutely no doubt it’s going to be a really, really difficult game. They are the best team in the country. The table doesn’t tend to lie.
“They’ve got so many talented individuals that are capable of moments. And then equally, the way that Mikel has the team set up and how they can hurt you in different phases of the game.
“You have to be on things for every minute of the game, every second of the game to try and nullify what they throw at you. So we’ll have to produce a top performance.”
Team News for Brentford v Arsenal
Brentford forward Kevin Schade is suspended while Reiss Nelson cannot play against his parent club. Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo are long-term absentees.
Max Dowman and Mikel Merino remain sidelined but Arteta was giving little away regarding the availability of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard.
Viktor Gyokeres is pushing for a recall to the starting XI after scoring twice off the bench against Sunderland at the weekend.
Predicted line-ups for Brentford v Arsenal
Brentford: Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Van den Berg, Henry; Henderson, Janelt, Ouattara, Jensen, Lewis-Potter; Thiago
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli; Gyokere
How to watch Brentford v Arsenal: TV and online streams
Brentford versus Arsenal kicks off tomorrow night at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on TNT Sports and stream via the discovery+ app.
If you don’t live in the UK, click HEREto discover which station may be showing the game in your region.
Stats for Brentford v Arsenal
- Across UEFA’s top five leagues this season, only Bayern Munich (10) have scored more goals via counter attacks than Brentford (nine)
- Only Aston Villa (none) have conceded fewer goals from counter attacks this season than Arsenal (one)
- Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League with 17 goals conceded in 25 games
