Frank confident of Brentford victory over “the best set-piece team in the world” Arsenal
Brentford fans will never forget the historic night at the Gtech Community Stadium in 2021 when the Bees stunned Arsenal 2-0 in their Premier League debut.
Since defeating the Gunners in their first top-flight game since 1947, the Bees have taken just one point off Mikel Arteta’s side in their last five league meetings.
Arsenal visit Brentford on New Year’s Day looking to reclaim second spot from high-flying Nottingham Forest. The Gooners are unbeaten in eight league games, convincingly winning five of them.
But Frank’s team boasts an impressive home record in the Premier League this campaign. They’ve won seven times and lost just once at the Gtech, scoring 26 goals in the process.
I attended Brentford’s press conference to hear the Dane’s thoughts on what promises to be a classic on January 1st.
Can the Bees outgun the Gunners?
When asked about the chance to kick 2025 off with three points, Frank said: “That would be amazing!
“The aim is to win the game. We’re facing a very good Arsenal team. I think they’ve gone under the radar because there’s so much talk about Manchester City or Manchester United, and Liverpool, who are doing fantastically.
“I think they’ll be up there [fighting for the title] until the end. I know Liverpool are a few points ahead now, but it’s very unusual that any team goes through a season without a dip in form, so that could happen to Liverpool. Arsenal need to be up there if that happens.
“They defend well, they attack well, they’re fantastic on set pieces. So it’s going to be a tough test. But we’re very good at home, and will do whatever we can to try and win the game.”
Arsenal’s set-piece threat
Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces has been well-documented this campaign. They’ve scored nine times from dead ball situations in their first 18 games; over a quarter of their total tally.
Ex-Brentford set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, now plying his trade in North London, has been integral to this success.
Frank said: “Nicolas is a very good coach. He was here for eight years and started to implement his blueprint. And it’s a very good blueprint. If you look at the details of every single set piece, it’s incredible.
“I think [Arsenal] are the best set-piece team, not only in the Premier League but in the world right now.”
But as the Brentford boss pointed out, his side is resolute in defending set-pieces, specifically corners. “We haven’t conceded one so far this season, [with the exception of] one short corner against Bournemouth.
“Of course, we have huge respect for Arsenal and what they can do, so we need to play our game, especially in set-pieces.”
Injury crisis
You could form a full starting eleven with the Bees players either injured or a doubt for Wednesday’s clash, highlighting the Bees’ current fitness issues.
Frank provided an update on the three players – Christian Norgaard, Ben Mee, and Mark Flekken – who picked up knocks in their last outing against Brighton.
“Norgaard, no problem, he’s available to play. Ben [Mee] has a minor muscle injury and will be out for a couple of weeks. Flekken is more positive, but still too early to say that he will play.”
Icelandic back-up keeper, Hakon Valdimarsson, made his Premier League debut against Brighton when he replaced the injured Flekken in the 34th minute.
Frank said: “I’m not in doubt that [Valdimarsson] will be more than ready. I think he did very well against Brighton, very pleased with his performance.”
The 51-year-old confirmed that Mathias Jensen and Sepp van den Berg will both be available, but their minutes will be managed.
New Year’s Resolutions
Frank chuckled to himself when asked if he had any New Year’s Resolutions. “Every time I come in here at the end of the year, I’m thinking, I need to come up with something every time!
“One thing in football would be less injuries, to always have a fully firing squad. A general one, probably peace in the world and look after each other.”
Brentford host Arsenal on January 1st at 5:30 pm at the Gtech.
