League contenders Arsenal host this season's surprise package Brentford in a crunching Premier League clash at the Gtech Community Stadium

Mikel Arteta's table-topping Gunners have swept all before them so far. But Thomas Frank's free-scoring Bees will buzz in full of confidence aiming to sting the hosts.

With Brentford's fearless attackers up against Arsenal's meanest defense, an intriguing stylistic matchup awaits. Can the league's former team gun down the pretenders to their crown?

Brentford vs Arsenal

The match will take place on Saturday, 25th November, 2023, at Gtech Community Stadium

Rampant Reds Sink Brave Bees at Anfield

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah continued his red-hot home scoring streak by netting twice to sink Brentford at Anfield. His strikes showed trademark precision finishing.

Salah first demonstrated telepathic understanding with Nunez, sweeping home first-time after his strike partner's deft pass. Then a simple header doubled his tally. Ice cold as ever in front of goal.

The Egyptians' spree of goals at Anfield shows no signs of slowing. He simply cannot stop scoring in front of the Kop right now, almost single-handedly firing Liverpool's charge.

Frank's Gameplan Undone by Fine Margins

Despite ultimately going down 3-0, Brentford manager Thomas Frank will be encouraged by periods of promise going forward against esteemed opponents.

The Bees executed Frank's clever game plan well for large stretches. Only supreme goalkeeping and fine margins denied them at least a consolation.

With better decision-making in transition and more clinical finishing, Brentford could have punished Liverpool's occasional sloppiness. Plenty of positives for Frank to take even in defeat.

Mbeumo Torments makeshift Reds Defense

Brentford's star attacker Bryan Mbeumo produced a scintillating individual performance to terrorize Liverpool's makeshift defense before fading late on.

Up against midfielder Fabinho filling in at center-back, Mbeumo's pace, power, and trickery posed a constant threat. He inspired Brentford's best moments but lacked the ruthlessness to convert.

On another afternoon, Mbeumo could have grabbed himself a couple of goals. But despite tiring after a lung-busting display, he highlighted why he is Brentford's dangerman.

Bees Battle But Fail To Sting Shot-Shy Strikers

Brentford ultimately suffered from blunt finishing in front of goal as clear chances went begging at key moments at both ends.

Despite crafting several presentable opportunities on the counterattack, Brentford's forward line lacked composure under pressure. Ivan Toney and Mbeumo were guilty of wayward efforts.

Had Brentford shown more conviction when opportunities arose, this could have been an Anfield classic. But their profligacy in attack proved costly.

Raya Keeps Bees in the Contest

Amid Liverpool's waves of pressure, Brentford keeper David Raya produced an inspired individual display between the sticks to keep the scoreline respectable.

The Spaniard showed wonderful agility and sharp reflexes to make several stunning reactions saves. Without Raya's heroics, Brentford could have shipped five or six.

Raya almost single-handedly prevented the contest from turning into a rout at times. His defiant resistance provided hope of a shock for the battling Bees.

Gunners Get Back On Track as Clarets Succumb at Emirates

Despite going into the game with a doubt after limping off midweek, Bukayo Saka shrugged off any fitness issues to shine against Burnley. The young star was a constant threat from the right flank.

Saka twisted and turned to beat his marker regularly before drilling in dangerous crosses. He also tested the keeper twice with stinging drives.

Playing with the handbrake off after returning from injury demonstrates Saka's courage. His influence grew as Arsenal eventually overwhelmed the Clarets. Fears over his fitness have been swiftly eased.

Assist King Trossard Adds End Product

Since he arrived from Brighton, Leandro Trossard has reveled in his role as a false nine. But question marks remained over his end product. Here the Belgian stepped up to grab a goal and two assists.

As well as demonstrating clever movement to score the opener himself, Trossard created both of Arsenal's other goals. His delivery from set pieces caused chaos in the Clarets box.

With star striker Gabriel Jesus injured, Trossard has ensured Arsenal maintains an attacking threat. Weight has been lifted from his shoulders by these decisive contributions.

Saliba Dominates Claret Battlers

At the heart of Arsenal's defense, French colossus William Saliba barely gave Burnley a sniff all game. He won every header and dominated his penalty area.

When Arsenal briefly wobbled after the break, Saliba stood tall to clear his lines decisively under pressure. He then shrugged off his marker with ease to restore their lead from Trossard's corner.

Despite his tender years, Saliba plays with swagger beyond his experience. Easing past physical Championship battlers highlighted the young defender's towering confidence.

Raya Reflexes Preserve Advantage

With Arsenal coasting at 2-0 up, Burnley sub Zeki Amdouni almost pegged them back instantly with a crisp low drive heading for the bottom corner.

But David Raya was alert to the danger, flying across goal to palm the ball wide with an incredible reflex save. It maintained Arsenal's cushion after a disjointed start.

Raya's lightning-quick reactions preserved Arsenal's lead at a critical moment. Such big saves in big games are what separates the top keepers from the rest.

Zinchenko Adds Polish in Comfortable Win

Despite eventually running out comfortable 3-1 winners, Arsenal left it late to put the game beyond plucky Burnley's reach.

The Clarets hung on doggedly and threatened another comeback at 2-1. But Oleksandr Zinchenko picked the perfect moment to grab his first Gunners goal, sealing the points after Trossard's corner caused panic.

It was a deserved reward for Zinchenko's industry supporting Arsenal's attacks from left back. A potential banana skin was navigated thanks to their persistence.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: A. Ramsdale, T. Tomiyasu, W. Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, Declan Rice, M. Odegaard, Jorginho, G. Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, L. Trossard

Brentford: Mark Flekken, Mads Roerslev, N. Collins, E. Pinnock, Ben Mee, K. Ajer, M. Jensen, C. Norgaard, V. Janelt, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa

Key Battles

Toney vs Saliba

The immovable object meets the irresistible force as hotshot Toney tries to unsettle defensive rock Saliba. Arsenal must shackle Brentford's main man.

Mbeumo vs White

Pacy wideman Mbeumo faces his toughest defensive test yet against England star White. Outside duels could prove pivotal.

Jensen vs Odegaard

Midfield playmakers Jensen and Odegaard aim to pull the strings for their sides. Craft and vision are vital in the engine room battle.

Conclusion

If Toney brings his A-game to breach Arsenal's backline fortress, Brentford could spring a surprise.

But with the Gunners scoring freely and miserly at the back, Arteta's side remain favorites to edge a tight tussle.