Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford: Opening day defeat

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal looks dejected after they concede their second goal during the Premier League match between Brentford and Arsenal at Brentford Community Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal looks dejected after they concede their second goal during the Premier League match between Brentford and Arsenal at Brentford Community Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: during the Premier League match between Brentford and Arsenal at Brentford Community Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – 5.5/10 – Fought and dueled all evening down the right flank and as he drifted more into central areas after the break he was threatening.

Still, didn’t beat his man often enough and there were a few hopeless efforts at goal. Did see one wonderful effort tipped around the post.

Folarin Balogun (ST) – 4/10 – A tough Premier League debut for Flo. It’s evident that he hasn’t had time to gel with his fellow forwards as the movements around the box weren’t coordinated and too often he was found within a couple of yards of Martinelli or Pepe, squeezed into central zones.

Not a debut to remember, although the circumstances of his appearance didn’t help.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 5/10 – Clearly rusty, Martinelli is some way off the sharpness he normally oozes as his touches were slack.

As ever, his work off the ball was exceptional and his willingness to backtrack and both cover Tierney and press in midfield were on show. Just couldn’t get into the game.