“And I like it, I like it, I like it, I like it, I li-li-like it, li-li- like, here we go, Saka and Emile Smith Rowe” – this is the new favorite song at the Emirates, sung on the tune of “Rocking all over the world”. And the whole stadium sang it again today, as their heroes solved the match which had every chance to become one of those dull 0-0 games in which one team dominates but can’t break the defense of their opponent. Still, two Arsenal youths found the key and broke the deadlock: Arsenal – Brentford 2-0.16 – Arsenal mustered 16 shots in the first-half against Brentford, the most by a team in a Premier League first 45 without scoring since Chelsea’s tally of 17 against Brighton in September 2019. Frustration. pic.twitter.com/8TxquQCe0N— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 19, 2022 In this game, there were no surprises, like in the Round 1 of the Premier League, when Brentford made a sensation and defeated the Gunners. A lot of time has passed since, and in the meantime, Arsenal is closer and closer to the Champions League spot, while Brentford is only 6 points away from relegation, with one game more than their relegation opponents. On the other hand, the Gunners are now in 6th place but only one point away from Manchester United at fourth and with two games in hand.10 goals this season for Emile Smith Rowe ✨ pic.twitter.com/VJPYDILa3w— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 19, 2022 The first half was all about Arsenal’s domination. 80% of possession, 16 shots on goal (2 on target), but zero goals. Brentford was determined not to concede a goal, and they have succeeded, but hardly left their own half. Arsenal had only two decent chances, and first Odegaard missed from 15 meters, and then Ben White, took a shot from a rebounded ball inside the penalty area, but straight at the keeper. There was no help from striker Alexandre Lacazette, who has scored 12 London derby goals at the Emirates Stadium – but non-today.
Just as the second half started – bang! Some magic from Emile Smith Rowe. The youngster got the ball just inside Brentford territory and ran until he was challenged in the penalty area by two Brentford defenders. He took a shot in the left corner and it was 1-0. Finally. Brentford did nothing, and couldn’t do anything to stop Arsenal from attacking further, and then it was time for Saka to score the second. Arsenal’s number 7 launches the counter and finished it in devastating fashion as his strike picked out the corner of the net. Brentford managed only one goal which was denied due to offside.