Cedric lunges in on Henry, doesn’t win the ball and that’s a Brentford free-kick. Escapes a yellow card. Arsenal will be very keen to finish the match with 11 players, for a change. Partey with the ball 35 yards out – resists the temptation to goal for goal. Tierney then looks to play it into the box, deflected and Brentford can clear.
That goal came from one of the few times Brentford have committed bodies forward, left the space for Arsenal to counter. The Gunners now win it back, Lacazette has the chance to run at the defence. Tries to play in Saka but it’s a poor ball.
Ramsdale passes it out straight to Canos, loose from the Arsenal goalkeeper. Brentford break, Wissa has space to put a ball into the box but it’s deflected straight at Ramsdale. Let off.
The stats certainly tell the story of the first 45 minutes at the Emirates. Arsenal had 80% of possession, 16 shots, nine corners… no goals. Only two of those shots were on target, Brentford managed to get plenty of blocks in.
Smith Rowe picks it up on the left, brings it forward and then drifts inside. Curls a lovely effort into the far corner, Raya can’t keep it out and the Gunners have their goal.
?⚽️ | WHAT A GOAL FROM EMILE SMITH ROWE! Arsenal 1 – 0 Brentford
pic.twitter.com/c7XZ7mkNvE— Football For You (@FootbaIlForYou) February 19, 2022