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Brentford enjoyed a dream return to the top flight as they beat Arsenal 2-0 to kick off the new Premier League season in style on Friday night.
Canos beat Bernd Leno at his near post to the delight of thousands of Bees fans at the Brentford Community Stadium, while Christian Norgaard finished off a long throw to consign Mikel Arteta’s Gunners to a defeat in their first game of the 2021/22 campaign.
It may be early days, but the result and the performance will offer Thomas Frank’s men hope that this season will be more than just a battle against relegation.
As for Arsenal, they looked short of players, ideas and inspiration as fans fear a disappointing 2020/21 season will simply roll over into this one.
Arsenal’s preparations for the game were hampered by the news that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were both struck by illness earlier in the day, so Folarin Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli started in attack.
There were Premier League debuts for new signings Ben White and Albert Lokonga, while Brentford’s summer arrivals Kristoffer Ajer and Frank Onyeka started behind Ivan Toney, who scored 33 goals in the Championship last season.
Arsenal started the more confident of the two as the Brentford players looked to settle their nerves in the opening minutes, but the Bees were soon up to speed and on top.
Brentford had already struck te post through Bryan Mbeumo, and they took the lead in the 21st minute.
Canos picked up a loose ball and cut inside Calum Chambers before drilling a low shot which beat Bernd Leno at his near post.
That sparked scenes of wild celebration in the stands, and left Arsenal up against it as they struggled to make an impact on the first 45 minutes.
Arsenal were much improved after the break with Emile Smith Rowe pulling the strings for the Gunners, forcing David Raja into a smart stop.
Bukayo Saka was then introduced off the bench, with both Brentford and Arsenal fans giving the England youngster a standing..
