Another day, another giant shot in the arm for Arsenal’s top-four prospects. They would have been cheered by West Ham’s lunchtime draw against Newcastle and capitalised fully here, meriting their second-half goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka. It was dominant fare from Mikel Arteta’s players and a reversal of fortunes when these sides met in August. This time the gulf in quality was pronounced, and they ended Saturday a point off fourth place, with two games in hand on Manchester United. Christian Nørgaard’s late effort, given by VAR, flattered the visitors.
Brentford had pummelled Arsenal on that opening night, but the tone always appeared likely to differ here. The early exuberance of Thomas Frank’s side had faded, a run of four points from their last nine outings drilling home a few Premier League realities, while their hosts could regard a Champions League spot with more than mere optimism.
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