11 February 2022, 00:00
As we get deeper into the second half of the 2021-22 season, Arsenal face a game that may bring up some bad memories of the opening day. In the reverse fixture of course, Brentford started their season in fine style by beating the Gunners 2-0 and sparked a positive run that has seen them stay clear of the relegation zone on their impressive debut in the Premier League.
More pressure on the home side
Repeating such a feat at the Emirates in front of 60,000 fans is a different proposition, but Brentford's relatively comfortable league position means they can play here without pressure knowing anything they get is a bonus.
For Arsenal, meanwhile, this represents another tricky tie following a 0-0 draw in their previous home match against bottom club Burnley. It won't take long for fans to become unsettled if they start a bad run of form at the Emirates against teams they should be beating. The recent departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also puts the onus on others to step up and score more goals, which brings its own pressure.
Race for Top 4 heating up
While Brentford may be happy enough to survive and even secure an unexpected mid-table finish, Arsenal still have their sights set on a return to the Champions League. They find themselves fighting it out with the likes of Manchester United, West Ham and North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur (all currently sitting within a few points of each other) as they attempt to do this, the top three having pulled clear in the title race.
The Gunners have had a relatively poor record against their closest rivals for this position this season. It is rather their record against teams in the bottom half that has kept them on pace to achieve this feat. This is what makes home games like this against Brentford so important for the team.
It may not be the most headline-stealing game of the season or the overall Premier League weekend, but newly promoted Brentford could yet have a large say in who gets that 4th spot this season.