Arsenal slumped to an opening-day loss as newly-promoted Brentford beat them 2-0 thanks to goals from Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard.
Here is how Simon Collings rated Arsenal...
The German was perhaps unsighted for the first Brentford goal, but he won’t be happy to have been beaten at his near post. Looked shaky in possession too.
Calum Chambers 4
Did not cover himself in glory for the Brentford goal with a poor clearance. Struggled in the first half, but was a bit better after the break.
Marginally better than his centre-back partner, but not by much. Not the start the new £50million man had in mind.
Pablo Mari 4
Looked shaky at the back and had a difficult game dealing with Ivan Toney. His place may well be under threat for the game with Chelsea next week.
Kieran Tierney 7
Another one of those who had a good game. Got forward well and was one of Arsenal’s best attacking options.
Albert Sambi Lokonga 7
Given this was his Premier League debut, the youngster acquited himself fairly well. A few nice touches and pass to give hope going forward.
Granit Xhaka 6
He almost had a howler in the first half when he was caught in possession on his own box. Other than that was steady.
Nicolas Pepe 6
A couple of nice moments but nowhere near the level he finished last season at. A disappointing night for the Ivorian.
Emile Smith Rowe 7
Probably Arsenal’s best player during a disappointing night. Made a few great breaks and turns, and tried to make things happen.
Gabriel Martinelli 5
A bit like Balogun, he struggled to really make an impact. Went close with a header from a corner in the second half.
Folarin Balogun 5
A tough night for the youngster, who barely had a kick. He had to play against three big centre-backs and largely fed off scraps.
Substitutions
Bukayo Saka (Balogun 59’) 7
A good cameo off the bench from the England star. Arsenal need him starting as soon as possible.
Reiss Nelson (Martinelli 71’) 6
Not much time to make an impact but was solid enough.
Nuno Tavares (Chambers 81’) N/A
