Brentford v Arsenal player ratings
Keane Lewis-Potter’s equaliser earned Brentford a deserved point in a thrilling match against the Premier League leaders. Here’s how we rated each Bees player in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Caoimhin Kelleher: 8
Always in control of any aerial threat from the Gunners and generally well protected by his defence. He could not do anything to prevent Noni Madueke from opening the scoring, but produced a vital stop at the feet of Gabriel Martinelli in added time.
Michael Kayode: 8
Was up against Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard. Helped out in central areas at times to clear the danger, especially when Arsenal were chasing a second goal. Assertive both defensively and going forward. Excellent showing and the long throw specialist crucially aided Brentford’s comeback.
Kristoffer Ajer: 8
Helped restrict the forays of Trossard when Arsenal looked dangerous pressing forward in the first half. Great understanding at the heart of the Bees defence for the most part with Sepp van den Berg.
Sepp van den Berg: 8
Alert to clear a close-range ninth-minute header from Gabriel off the line as Arsenal began aggressively. Crucial involvement in assisting Brentford’s leveller in the penalty after 71 minutes, when helping on Kayode’s long throw. Very assured performance by the Dutchman.
Rico Henry: 7
Tasked to contain the threat of Noni Madueke. He coped well until he allowed the former Chelsea attacker room to head the ball into the net on the hour mark. Kept driving down the left to provide openings late on though.
Yehor Yarmoliuk: 7
Up against Declan Rice – and the Ukrainian did well to contain the normal incision of the Gunners’ midfield creator. Eventually replaced in the second half after an industrious display.
Vitaly Janelt: 7
Received an early caution for pulling Viktor Gyokeres’ shirt amid a battle for central supremacy. Worked hard to help the defence stem bouts of Gunners pressure and, in particular, contribute to nullifying the creative capabilities of ex-QPR star Ebere Eze.
Dango Ouattara: 7
Fresh from scoring a late winner in the dramatic weekend win at Newcastle, the winger was again lively. Tired in the second half but kept working hard to pressurise Gabriel.
Mathias Jensen: 7
Looked lively in the early stages, creating the occasional opportunity from wide on the left. Relished battling with Arsenal right-back Jurrien Timber.
Keane Lewis-Potter: 9
Linked up with Ouattara as the Bees tried to create genuine chances early on, with Arsenal doing well to cut his supply lines. Improved as the game wore on and was always prepared to drive at the opposition from deep positions. Got his reward with a superb far-post header to level the contest.
Igor Thiago: 9
On the end of some rough treatment from Gunners defender Gabriel as Brentford tried to impose some attacking first-half threat. The Brazilian then saw a powerful six-yard header well parried by David Raya. The Arsenal keeper also denied him with a fine stop on 67 minutes amid the quest for an equaliser. Strong in the latter stages and blazed a ferocious, angled shot over the bar.
Jordan Henderson: 6
Came on for Yarmoliuk as boss Keith Andrews looked to the veteran midfielder’s experience. Helped push the Bees on as they searched for a winner.
Mikkel Damsgaard: 6
Replaced Lewis-Potter as part of a 75th-minute double change in the wake of the equaliser.
