Brentford v Arsenal player ratings: Canos 9, Norgaard 8; White 5, Chambers 4

Gunners stunned by Premier League newcomers in season opener

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  BRENTFORD RATINGS: David Raya: 7 - The goalkeeper was rarely tested by the opposition, facing few shots from the Gunners. He answered when called upon and played the ball well with his feet from the back.

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  Kristoffer Ajer: 7 - The recent arrival from Celtic looked assured on the right of the back three on his debut. He was calm on the ball until an injury scare towards the end of the game cut short his debut.

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  Pontus Jansson: 7 -The Brentford captain patrolled the centre of defence well, bar one or two rash challenges around the box.

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  Ethan Pinnock: 7 - Pinnock looked secure defensively on the left and often came out from the back with the ball. He added an assist to his impressive display.

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  Sergi Canos: 9 - The wing-back scored Brentford’s first goal in the top flight in 74 years, driving into the box and scoring a neat near-post finish. He often pushed high up the pitch to help sustain pressure and was rewarded with a goal for his fine performance.

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  Frank Onyeka: 7 -The box-to-box midfielder put in a good performance on his debut, looking a threat going with the ball, then defending and pressing well without it.

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  Christian Norgaard: 8 - The midfielder had a good game on the ball and helped double the lead with a header from a long throw into the box.

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  Vitaly Janelt: 6 -The 23-year-old had a quiet game but picked up the ball in pockets of space. He wasn’t always accurate with his passing when it counted for the Bees.

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  Rico Henry: 7 -The wing-back covered the left flank both defensively and offensively. He won most of his duels when it mattered and was useful for his side throughout.

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  Bryan Mbuemo: 8 - His pressing caused issues for the Arsenal defenders, forcing mistakes when high up the pitch. He made a fantastic turn in the box to beat three defenders but couldn’t apply the finish in the first half.

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  Ivan Toney: 8 - While the striker wasn’t involved in the goals, he was a key part of how Brentford played on the night. He was integral in winning the ball in the air and leading the line for his side, pushing them up the pitch.

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  SUBS: Mads Sorensen (For Ajer 71’) - 6 - Sorensen came on to help preserve his side’s lead going into the latter stages of the game for the injured Ajer. He had little to do defensively, but caused issues with his long throws.

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  Mads Bidstrup (For Onyeka 80’) - N/R - Bidstrup had little to do when he came on late in the game to help his side see out the victory.

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  Marcus Forss (For Mbuemo 86’) - N/R - Forss made a brief appearance for Brentford, replacing Mbuemo to help keep the pressure on late in the game.

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  ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno: 5 - The Germany international struggled with the ball at his feet at times. He could have done more to deny Canos at the near post and could have done more to stop the long throw for the second.

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  Kieran Tierney: 7 - The left-back looked the most secure of his defensive partners, offering a lot down his flank when attacking and putting in quality crosses.

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  Pablo Mari: 4 -The 27-year-old struggled when under pressure from the Brentford press, making a few mistakes when looking to play out with the ball. He could and should have done more to deny the second goal in the box.

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  Ben White: 5 - On his Arsenal debut, White came under pressure but showed his passing ability in beating the press very often. He was tested by Toney in the air and could have gotten tighter to him at times, which meant he struggled in a first outing.

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  Calum Chambers: 4 - Made a mistake that led to the first goal with a poor clearance before failing to close down goalscorer Canos in the box. He struggled throughout the game defensively and didn’t trouble with the ball going forward.

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  Granit Xhaka: 7 - The Arsenal captain was everywhere for his side on the night, often playing an important role in the way his side built with the ball from defence. It wasn’t only with the ball but without it he also put himself about, winning many of the duels he was involved in.

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  Albert Sambi Lokonga: 6 - Another debutant, Lokonga was also busy in covering a lot of ground for his side however he wasn’t quite as successful off the ball compared to his midfield partner.

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  Gabriel Martinelli: 5 - Fresh from an Olympics outing with Brazil, the winger struggled to have an impact on the game with few chances.

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  Emile Smith Rowe: 7 - Arsenal’s new No 10 looked a threat when he received the ball, always positive in his approach with passing and driving forward.

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  Nicolas Pepe: 6 - Pepe looked to put himself about and make things happen for the away side. He was always looking to cut-in from the right on his left foot and created a few opportunities for his side.

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  Folarin Balogun: 4 -It was a tough match for the youngster, who struggled to lead the line for Arsenal. They missed a focal point up front and it just wasn’t the striker’s night as he was subbed off early in the second half.

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  SUBS: Bukayo Saka (For Balogun 59’) - 7 - Saka caused issues from the bench, often cutting inside from the left and carrying the ball into the box on a number of occasions.

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  Reiss Nelson (For Martinelli 71’) - 6 - Nelson was a problem for Brentford a few times on the right but he wasn’t able to change the game for Arsenal once they went two goals down.

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  Nuno Tavares (For Chambers 82’) - N/R - Tavares made a brief appearance in a debut off the bench for Arsenal, getting little time to stamp his authority but he got a shot off from range that could have posed a threat.

The Premier League season made a breathtaking start as Brentford marked their first game in the top flight for 74 years with an emotional 2-0 victory over a ragged Arsenal.

Sergi Canos made himself an instant hero when he cut inside Calum Chambers and drilled a low shot inside the near post of Bernd Leno after 22 minutes to spark an explosion of joy from fans in their new 17,500-capacity stadium.

Some hesitant Arsenal defending after a long throw in the 73rd minute allowed Christian Norgaard to head home the second and Brentford, the team who suffered an agonising nine playoff failures before finally succeeding last season, were in dream land.

Player ratings from the match can be seen in the picture gallery above. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.