Arsenal (2) 3 v 0 (0) Brentford
17 Saliba,
28 Jesus,
49 Viera,
Yellows: Xhaka, Jesus Ref. D. Coote
Played Sunday 18 September 2022 at The Gtech Community Stadium, attendance 16,479.
We live in changing times. Energy prices are soaring, the cost of living is spiraling beyond control, and our much-loved monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has passed. But amidst such turbulence, at least the stalwart of football remains. With all its high and lows, thrills and spills, its familiarity is a comfort indeed.
Last Sunday’s PLD Brentford versus Arsenal began with solemnity: a minute’s silence for Her Majesty the Queen, followed by a respectful but hearty rendition of the new national anthem of ‘God Save The King’. Quite fittingly, from the off, Arsenal performed in a Kingly manner – authoritative in midfield, dominant in possession (64%), and all the while passing with jewel-like precision. In the words of Match of the Day Pundit Alan Shearer – ‘They (Arsenal) won every single battle…and Brentford just weren’t at the races.’
The first Gunner’s goal came on the 17th minute mark. Bukayo Saka won and took a corner, which was then headed in by a lofty leap from William Saliba, inside the near post. Following a three-year loan to his native France, this was the returning defender’s second goal of the season. A man on a mission, eagerly showing a hunger to prove his worth.
Half an hour in, the second goal arrived. Arsenal carved open an arc of space, allowing Granit Xhaka to pitch a weight perfect cross on to the head of Gabriel Jesus. A real team effort. By now Brentford’s goose was well and truly in the oven. And indeed, it was cooked, very early in the second half. Saka, made a firm pass back to new signing Fabio Viera, who with one touch, from distance, walloped the ball into the top right. A 32-million-pound purchase from Porto, he could prove crucial to Arsenal’s campaign.
At the 70th minute mark the crowd clapped and cheered, in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. And then, in such grand, historically shifting times, even football thought to make its mark. With ten minutes to go Ethan Nwaneri was substituted on to the field. At only 15 years and 181 days of age, he becomes the youngest player in the history of the Premier League. An apt reminder that life moves on, and that the future is at once young, exciting and bright. With this victory, Arsenal now ascend to the top of the Premier League table.
Our next PLD is the old North London grudge match, Arsenal versus Tottenham, on the 1st of October at The Emirates Stadium. Spurs are hot off a 6-2 mauling of Leicester, and will be looking to drive their momentum home. As we know, anything can happen in football, but fingers crossed we’re in for a thriller.
Until next time, enjoy your football, Matthew at PLDs.