Mikel Arteta has praised the ‘remarkable’ job done by Thomas Frank at Brentford, ahead of Arsenal’s trip to face the Bees this weekend.
Arsenal travel to face Brentford on Sunday, the scene of a humbling 2-0 loss on the opening weekend of last season. Brentford shocked Arsenal in their first top-flight fixture in 74 years and enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League, ending the campaign 13th.
The Bees have lost just one of their opening six games of the current campaign and Arteta has praised the job Thomas Frank has done in turning Brentford into a competitive Premier League outfit.
“They are a really good side,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference. “What Thomas has done there, not only this season but previously, is remarkable. We are very aware of how difficult it is going to be to beat them.”
Ivan Toney will represent Brentford’s biggest threat this weekend with the forward rewarded for his start to the season with a maiden England call up this week. The 26-year-old – who was playing for League One Peterborough as recently as 2020 – has scored five goals in six games.
“I think it is a great story,” Arteta said on Toney’s international inclusion. “This country has had stories like this in past seasons, like Jamie Vardy. The opportunity is open for everybody, just show quality.
“I don’t know I can’t think of a story like this [in Spain].”
Arteta spoke further on Frank and insists the Dane deserves ‘a lot of credit’ for his impressive work in west London.
“He has done an incredible job. The clarity, philosophy, they deserve a lot of credit for what they do.”
Arsenal’s game was in doubt due to concerns over police resources, due to the funeral plans for Queen Elizabeth II. The Gunners saw their Europa League game with PSV postponed in midweek and Arteta expressed his relief that this weekend’s clash is going ahead.
“We needed to play. We want to play games. If you look at the schedule, after World Cup especially. We need to play games or it is going to be tough.”
The Spaniard failed to disclose team news, though Thomas Partey has returned to full training this week.
“Unfortunately the update will be tomorrow after the last training session,” Arteta added.
