Brentford vs Arsenal: Talking Points As Premier League Returns Today

Arsenal fans all over the World have renewed cause for optimism as Premier League starts today.

Infoexpert24 Nigeria understands that Arsenal will play without Thomas Partey, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Joe Willock.

Finally, after what has seemed like an eternity, Premier League football is back as Arsenal travel to Brentford Community Stadium to face the newly-promoted  Brentford.

Arsenal after finishing eighth last season and with no European football this term, Gunners needs to get it right this season with absolutely no excuses.

For the first time since coronavirus took hold in March 2020, matches will be played out in front of full stadiums.

According to a statement on the website of the North London club on Thursday morning, Arteta said “there were no injury issues from the friendly match at Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday.”

But Partey “sustained an injury to ligaments in his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea on August 1. Thomas continues to be assessed and is expected to be back in training by the end of August.”

Eddie Nketiah also “sustained bruising to his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea on August 1. Eddie continues to be assessed and is expected to be back in training in early September.”

Gabriel Magalhaes is back with the squad but will “be back in training by early September.”

Mikel Arteta’s side has struggled to get going during the pre-season with wins against Watford and Millwall the only positive results for the Gunners.

Friday night’s clash will be Brentford’s first-ever Premier League match and with a sold-out (as much as it can be) stadium, Thomas Frank’s men will be right up for the fight. With Ivan Toney in attack, Brentford has more than enough to trouble Arsenal as the striker netted 31 times in the Championship last season.

Fresh off a 2-1 win over Spanish side Valencia in their final pre-season fixture, the west London meeting will be the host’s first top-flight clash since 1947 when, of course, they faced Arsenal. Oh, and did anyone mention that it’s Friday the 13th?

Infoexpert24 Nigeria understands that this match presents a tough start to Arsenal’s league campaign and a win is a must for the Gunners as they will later face Chelsea and Manchester City.