Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford: Smith Rowe & Saka strike in 2-1 win

Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford: Smith Rowe & Saka seal 2-1 win

Arsenal's English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (C) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 19, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal takes a shot past David Raya of Brentford during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) /

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7/10 – There were less take-ons from Saka in the game as Cedric provided the majority of the width meaning the Star Boy played closer to goal, but his shooting boots abandoned him as he struggled to add the cutting edge.

However, when the crucial moment came, he pulled out a sensational finish from a tight angle to wrap up the win for Arsenal.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 4/10 – There was plenty of neat work from the captain early on as he connected the dots centrally, yet decision making was his enemy as the times when he took shots off were moments when he needed to be feeding other players.

That was the crux of the issue for Lacazette. He looks completely bereft of confidence and it impacted all parts of his game. He desperately needs a goal.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – 8/10 – Getting closer to full match sharpness, Smith Rowe grew into the game with increasingly penetrative moments, driving at the Brentford backline and breaking through their lines.

It took mere seconds after the break for him to remind everyone of his magnificent talent, with a superb run cutting in off the left finishing with him bending a low effort beyond David Raya.

Continued on next page…

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