Arsenal vs Brentford: 3 Key Battles in Must-Win Match

#3: Eddie Nketiah vs. Ethan Pinnock

Can he fill the all-purpose boots of Gabriel Jesus?

Nketiah has done a fantastic job in the Brazilian’s absence and is worthy of a long-term stay in the team, but we will need his full array of skills if we are to claim the three points on Saturday.

Although Jesus grabbed a goal in the reverse fixture, his most significant contributions came in general play as he constantly occupied Vitaly Janelt and drifted wide to link up with the wingers- endeavors that unsettled the Brentford defense and helped us to get into dangerous areas.

His replacement is capable of such extensive influence and arguably boasts a better finish, yet he does not possess the same creative spark and might therefore limit the impact Saka and Martinelli have on the game.

Reduced ingenuity will be music to Pinnock’s ears as Brentford are very well organized and like to compact central parts of the pitch. At the same time, the 29-year-old also has the pace and anticipation of shutting down our offensive efforts.

His physicality will give Nketiah very little time on the ball and could force turnovers in the final third, resulting in a stilted and frustrated Arsenal attack.

No.14 has earned our trust and will hopefully thrive despite the challenging environment.