Brentford boss Thomas Frank has lauded Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli after yesterday’s game.
Speaking to Match of the Day, the Bees boss labelled the duo ‘two of the best’ wingers in the Premier League.
Arsenal picked up a 1-0 win at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening thanks to late Kai Havertz winner.
The Gunners struggled to break down a resilient Brentford side for large periods of the game, despite Leandro Trossard having an effort ruled out for offside in the first half.
It’s fair to say that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli found it difficult to create space on either flank due to the way Brentford were set up.
But Saka provided a real moment of quality at a crucial moment as he delivered an ‘amazing’ ball into the box for Havertz’s winner.
And Thomas Frank was full of praise for the Arsenal winger after the game.
Frank praises Saka and Martinelli after Arsenal beat Brentford
Speaking to BBC Sport, Frank said that he felt his side dealt with the threats of Saka and Martinelli well for most of the game.
But the Brentford boss admitted that one quality moment from Saka ultimately cost his side a point.
“I think we done a top job to keep two of the best wingers in the league quiet throughout the game,” he said.
“So it was just one top action from Saka in the end and great movement from Havertz.”
Saka and Martinelli haven’t been at their scintillating best so far this season but they continue to pop up at crucial moments.
Of course, Premier League sides will be well aware of the threat they pose and it seems the majority are setting up to stop them having space out wide.
Both players struggled to find space yesterday as Brentford defended resolutely right up until the final moments.
But Saka’s cross sums up why he is one of the best wingers in the league and he only needs half a yard of space to deliver for Arsenal.