Match Coverage

Four winners and one loser from Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Brentford including Kieran Tierney and Declan Rice

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Arsenal had to turn their attentions back to domestic matters as they took on Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta heavily rotated his side from the Champions League victory over Real Madrid as Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko were among the changes coming into the team.

Arsenal dominated the first half but were unable to find a way past Brentford keeper Flekken as they also saw their first goal under the new semi-automated offside ruled out.

The breakthrough came on the hour mark when David Raya sent Declan Rice striding through the midfield to set up Thomas Partey to score with an excellent finish.

Brentford equalised with just over 15 minutes left after some hesitant Arsenal defending allowed strike Yoanne Wissa to swivel on the ball and fire home.

Another draw for Arsenal in the league and Liverpool now require just three wins to be crowned champions.

READ MORE: William Saliba impresses but one star gets a 4/10 – Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford

Arsenal FC v Brentford FC - Premier League
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Four winners from Arsenal’s clash with Brentford

Kieran Tierney

If ever there was a player that deserved one more start for start for Arsenal football club it was Kieran Tierney after his horrific injury problems at the club.

He almost celebrated his return to the side with a goal as his first half header flew past Flekken in the Brentford goal but the defender was standing in an offside position.

Up against Bryan Mbeumo, Tierney found himself having to stop one of the Premier League’s stars this season and was flawless in his defensive work.

Tierney is set for a move away from Arsenal in the summer transfer window but he has given everything during his time at the Emirates Stadium and will be forever remember with fondness at the club.

David Raya

It is never easy to face your former club and after having spent his first season on loan from Brentford, David Raya is appearing for the first time this season against the Bees.

He was at fault for Brentford’s goal in the return fixture but produced a solid display for Arteta’s side in all areas of his game.

Raya’s distribution with his feet was excellent as he used Jorginho and Zinchenko between the lines to get Arsenal moving through midfield and made a number of solid saves to frustrate Brentford.

An excellent piece of quick thinking helped his side open the scoring as he set Rice on his way after claiming from a corner and the ball was in the Brentford net just seconds later.

Thomas Partey

Partey was asked once again this season to fill in at right back, a position that he has struggled with at times due to his lack of awareness in his positioning in the unfamiliar role.

However, he was solid in his defensive work for the 68 minutes on the pitch and capped off his wonderful performance with a brilliant finish on the counter attack to open the scoring.

Partey showed incredible energy to keep up with Rice on the break before having the composure to slot the ball high above Flekken’s reach.

Declan Rice

Another sensational performance from a player that just keeps getting better and better as the season progresses.

Many would forgive Rice for being a little jaded after his astonishing display against Real Madrid but the England international was everywhere once again.

His driving run across the full length of the pitch set up Partey for the Gunners opener and it adds yet another goal contribution to Rice’s impressive tally this campaign.

Christian Norgaard challenges Declan Rice during Arsenal FC v Brentford FC in the Premier League clash.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

One loser from Arsenal’s clash with Brentford

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli was sensational against Real Madrid but came up against an opponent in Kristoffer Ajer that had the beating of him across the game.

The Brazilian winger struggled to find any space throughout the clash and often found himself chasing Ajer the other way, one incident in the first half led to Ajer almost opening the scoring had it not been for Raya.

Frustrating for Martinelli following his excellent recent form but he will be encouraged by the fact that he will get more space against Madrid in Europe at the Bernabeu as they chase the game.