Brentford leave boss Frank 'speechless' with shock victory over Arsenal

Thomas Frank expressed his amazement after Brentford secured their first top-flight win since 1947, saying it is incredible that a ‘bus stop in Hounslow’ is top of the Premier League.

Chants of ‘we are top of the league’ rang around a packed Brentford Community Stadium last night as Frank’s side, which included nine Premier League debutants, bullied Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Sergi Canos scored the first goal of the new season, beating Bernd Leno with a low drive after 22 minutes. Christian Norgaard completed the scoreline in the 73rd by applying the finishing touch to a long throw-in which was poorly defended by Arsenal.

Brentford’s players and staff celebrated their win with a full-time lap of honour, and Frank said: ‘What an atmosphere. In a way I'm speechless. For our fans they can dream.

‘We're No 1 in the Premier League and that's a fantastic story. We're just a bus stop in Hounslow. We're not supposed to be here, so we've got to celebrate every win, but we also want more.'

Goalscorer Canos said: ‘This is amazing. I’ve been dreaming about scoring the first goal here in the stadium and all these people deserve it. We deserve it. We go again next week. I’ve got all of my family in Spain watching the game. For me, for my family, for this club, it’s a step forward.’

Arsenal, whose season is being documented by Amazon Prime, were missing both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette due to illness. In their absence, they struggled to trouble Brentford’s defence. Jamie Carragher described it as ‘men against boys’ on commentary, adding: ‘New season, same old story.’

Arteta said: ‘I’m disappointed. I don’t think we deserved anything different. They scored from a long throw-in and we didn’t have enough presence in the box. A lot of young boys were doing everything they can.'

Arsenal face Chelsea next weekend. On Aubameyang and Lacazette, he added: ‘I don’t know (if they'll be available for the next game). What I can control and help, I’ll put all my enthusiasm and work into that.’

This performance and result is bound to strengthen Arsenal's determination to make signings before the summer's transfer window closes.

When introduced in the 59th minute, Bukayo Saka received a standing ovation from both sets of supporters, following the abuse the England winger received on social media after the Euro 2020 final.