Brentford vs Arsenal Preview: Thomas Frank “We’ll be as offensive as possible”
Brentford manager Thomas Frank is hoping to “get a result” at the Emirates as the Bees take on Arsenal in the Premier League at 5.30 pm this Saturday.
Frank was at the Emirates to witness the Gunners’ historical 3-0 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Danish coach acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead for his struggling side and remarked “Arsenal hit the highest level against Real Madrid”.
Although Brentford have only won 1 out of their previous 5 Premier League matches, Frank has been impressed by his team’s performances against difficult opposition like Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle. He added, “All three games were absolutely even; we could’ve won all three of them.”
Mikel Arteta’s side are being considered as heavy favourites for the upcoming clash, and it’s fair to say so considering the current standings and the fact that Brentford hasn’t beaten Arsenal in the Premier League since 2022. However, it won’t be as simple as that because Brentford’s intent is clear: “We’ll try to be as offensive as possible.”
Speaking about the Bees’ offense, Frank will have high hopes for Mikel Damsgaard given that his side are taking on the best defence in the league. Damsgaard has taken his game to another level after overcoming a difficult first two seasons.
Having registered double-digit assists in the Premier League this season, Thomas added, “He makes our game tick,” but also admits that he “needs to score more goals” as the creative midfielder has only scored three goals so far this season.
Upon being asked about his team’s counter-pressing identity and how his team might need to adapt, he praised Arsenal’s build-up play in earlier phases and remarked “It’s well-known that we try to press as much as we can, but we’re aware that we might have to sit deep and defend in some situations.”
Arsenal trail league leaders Liverpool by eleven points with just 7 games remaining. Although it’s still mathematically possible for them to win the League, there has been some speculation suggesting that The Gunners will rest a couple of players this weekend ahead of a crucial second-leg tie at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Thomas Frank quickly dismissed the speculation by saying, “No matter who plays for them, they’re still a very good team. They have a very good coach and some good principles as well.” Brentford hopes to finish the season on a high too, as they are currently twelfth in the standings with forty-two points.
