Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford: Opening day defeat

Arsenal Midfielders Ratings

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – 5/10 – Positionally this was a strong performance from Sambi. In defensive situations he plugged the right gaps and was always showing for the ball in the right spaces.

In terms of attacking output he was limited to short passes laterally with Balogun marked out of the game and Pepe and Martinelli not picking up positions to cause danger. More expansive in the second half.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 5/10 – Progression is what Xhaka normally brings and if the statistics stood up for him on this occasion it will only have been for the repeated ball out wide to Tierney, which was like a broken record. There was nowhere near enough tempo and a fear of central passes.

Shifted into a left centre-back slot to help with Arsenal’s build up, still making passes into areas of little danger.

Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – 7/10 – Our best player on the night. Was the one picking up dangerous positions in the pockets and being positive with his play, looking to find men in the box. Had the endeavour and vision to push Arsenal through the thirds yet the inexperience of the front line limited options in and around the penalty area.

The bright spark.