Arsenal player ratings: Emile Smith Rowe shines on return to Gunners XI as Bukayo Saka also plays starring role

ARSENAL were frustrated in the first-half but finally broke through in the second against a plucky Brentford side at the Emirates.

Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka were Arsenal’s scorers as Mikel Arteta’s men ran out 2-1 winners.

Emile Smith Rowe scored in Arsenal’s vital win over BrentfordCredit: PA

Arsenal picked up a vital three points against Brentford at the EmiratesCredit: Reuters

The Bees made them work hard for it, and the Gunners didn’t have it all their own way in the final third by any means.

But ultimately, Mikel Arteta’s side picked up the all-important three points as they continue to hunt down a top four place in the Premier League.

Here’s how SunSport’s Matt Penn rated the Gunners today…

AARON RAMSDALE – 7

Had nothing to do for the majority of the game but conceded late on after a contentious VAR check.

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CEDRIC – 7

Looked very solid in place of Takehiro Tomiyasu and set up some of Arsenal’s most energetic moments down the right-hand side with Saka.

Thwarted all danger that came his way and should have won his side a penalty after his shot was blocked by Yoane Wissa’s arm.

BEN WHITE – 7

Looked a leader on the pitch again for the Gunners and put himself about in the box at set pieces.

Communicated well with his partner at centre-back Gabriel but conceded a late goal.

GABRIEL – 6

Organised as he put in another decent performance after his heroics against Wolves last week.

But he was disorganised as the end to concede a Brentford goal.

Arsenal were generally excellent in defence against Brentford todayCredit: AFP

KIERAN TIERNEY – 6

Arsenal couldn’t get him on the ball as much as they’d have liked during the game.

Smith Rowe did most of the team’s work down the left, with Tierney forced to sit back a little more than usual.

THOMAS PARTEY – 7

Twisted his way through Brentford’s midfield on multiple occasions and looked a real strong presence in midfield.

The Ghanaian then assisted Saka for his goal late on in the game.

GRANIT XHAKA – 6

Did his job in midfield and was lucky to escape a yellow card in the first half for pulling back a Bees player as Brentford broke away.

Partey did most of the work in the middle of the park today.

BUKAYO SAKA – 8

The England international was electric all game and caused all sorts of problem’s for Brentford’s defenders.

Massively hard done by by referee Jon Moss, who should have awarded him a free-kick on numerous occasions.

But Saka wasn’t to be denied, as he got himself a precious goal to make it 2-0.

Bukayo Saka was electric in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over BrentfordCredit: PA

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7

Looked a class act throughout as he showed Mikel Arteta just why they shelled out £30million on him last summer.

Highlight of the first-half was his beautiful dummy and one-two with Saka down the right.

EMILE SMITH ROWE – 8

Started the game with menace and poise but quietened down toward the end of the first-half.

At the start of the second, however, Smith Rowe got himself on the scoresheet after a brilliant run and finish.

ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE – 7

Buzzed around Brentford’s backline all game and had a first-half goal ruled out after a very tight offside call in the build-up.

Put Smith Rowe through for the Englishman to slot home early in the second half.

Alexandre Lacazette assisted Emile Smith Rowe’s goal in the second-halfCredit: AFP

SUBS

Eddie Niketiah (81) – Didn’t have enough time to make any impact as he came on late for Alexandre Lacazette.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk