By Matty
February 20 2022

Frustrating to go in level after a dominant first half display. We had a goal disallowed for a tight offside and were getting no decisions from Moss. Second half our star boys ESR and Saka won it with two high quality goals. They got a late consolation but the scoreline flatters Brentford really as this was a comfortable win and we could've won by more. I want to hold my hands up again about Odegaard. I was very happy when we initially signed him on loan but based on that loan I wasn't a fan of bringing him in again, largely because I felt we needed more proven end product. He's been very good this season though and a great piece of business at £35 million. We aren't a free-scoring side and once you scratch beneath our starting XI you quickly realise the depth (Nketiah, Elneny, Lokonga, etc) isn't top six standard, so I was very happy with Pepe's cameo. We're going to need him between now and the end of the season. I can't help but think things might be aligning for a Martinelli run in the #9 position... Very important win and we have to keep the run going, as we have tough games coming up.

RATINGS

Ramsdale - 6. Didn't think he was massively worked but some good distribution.

Cedric - 7. Like against Wolves, another good game. Overlapped well in the first half.
White - 7. Got his Arsenal career off to an awful start when we played Brentford at the start of the season. Looked much better today (admittedly not playing against dual-machine Ivan Toney). Good signing.
Gabriel - 7. Strong throughout and doesn't hesitate to back up his teammates.
Tierney - 7. Showed more of the drive that we haven't seen from him as much recently. Better.

Partey - 7. Gave possession away cheaply early on and I thought it was going to be another of those sloppy Partey performances, but he responded well and had a good game. Drove well for Saka's goal.
Xhaka - 7. Said to my friend it still seems weird seeing him in these more advanced positions, but played well again.

Saka - 8. Lively first half and scored in the second with a superb finish. I prefer when he's able to drift instead of staying out on the right.
Odegaard - 9. Superb, like watching Ozil at his best. Popped up all over the place and was always involved. Showed good dribbling and strength to retain possession. Only downside was a chance in the first half where he overplayed it to Saka instead of having a go himself on his right foot.
Smith Rowe - 8. Cut in from the left past two players to open the scoring in fine fashion. Grew in confidence and influence.

Lacazette - 6. Worked hard and played a big part in the second goal. I'm hesitant to say it after two wins but a top forward signing in the summer will elevate us.

Subs:

Pepe - 6. It was a while ago when myself and many others reached the point where we'd given up on Pepe. For all of the moments he is capable of, he is also inconsistent, can be very sloppy in possession and frustrating in general. This was a good cameo though. We need more of this between now and the end of the season. He came on looking hungry and wanting to make something happen. Came close to scoring and could've won a penalty.
Nketiah -N/A. Not on long.

MORE DISCUSSION HERE