Brentford vs Arsenal: How the two Premier League clubs have transformed since first league meeting in 2021
Brentford take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday night; the two sides first met in the competition in 2021 and have since gone on transformative journeys; the Gunners are aiming to go one step better and clinch Premier League glory, while the Bees remain in the hunt for Europe
Wednesday 11 February 2026 18:15, UK
August 13, 2021. A day that stirs some of the best memories for Brentford fans and a day to forget for Arsenal.
The Bees had just announced themselves on the biggest stage, as the self-proclaimed 'bus stop from Hounslow' stunned one of the giants of English football on their Premier League debut.
It was a massive result for a side then led by Thomas Frank, who were one of the favourites for relegation that term, with their stay in the top flight expected to be short lived.
It also added immediate pressure on Mikel Arteta's future as Arsenal boss, having survived several calls to be sacked the season prior. The words from Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher were 'new season, same old story.'
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No one could've predicted the chapters that would be written in the years to follow, heading into their latest meeting on Thursday night. But it's safe to say that both have come along way in the last 1,643 days.
From 'Arteta out' to challenging for Premier League glory
While, right now, it's hard to see Arteta be at risk of being ousted from his job for any other reason than failing to deliver a Premier League or Champions League title, the Spaniard once did not have the same support he has now.
The season prior, the Gunners had finished eighth in the Premier League. Leicester City, now struggling in the Championship, were above them. Leeds, who had just been promoted themselves, were only two points off them.
Arteta complained that night about a lot of things. He claimed his side wasn't a threat in attacking areas. They couldn't handle set-pieces. Words you wouldn't be using to describe his team right now, considering they are the second-highest scorers in the top flight and boast one of the best set-piece records.
You don't have to even look at where they have risen to in the Premier League standings to see how much they have developed. Just look at the team Arteta put out.
Of the 11 that started the game, only two remain in the squad - Ben White (who was making his debut) and Gabriel Martinelli. Neither of those two are guaranteed starters anymore either.
Bukayo Saka came on as a second half substitute to a huge ovation. Other than that, there were almost as many current Arsenal players plying their trade for the opposition. Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Folarin Balogun were all in the XI, yet would be shipped off either permanently or on loan within the following 12-24 months.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were the leading frontmen but not available that evening. Now, they would look out of place in the side Arteta has built.
Arteta had a vision. Arsenal believed in it and backed him over time. Of the players in his matchday squad for their most recent win over Sunderland, all bar White and Martinelli were signed by the club after this game.
It's the example that manager's under pressure will point to and say 'look what can happen if you give me time to rebuild'. Now, years after what was possibly his worst defeat, Arteta heads back to the Gtech with his fingertips as close to the Premier League trophy as they ever have been.
Little old Brentford continuing to defy the odds
For many, Brentford's win was likely to be the high point in a season that would mostly see them just experiencing the Premier League rather than competing in it.
The atmosphere that night was indescribable. The scenes at full-time of Frank celebrating with supporters, who had not been able to watch their beloved club since the pandemic, is one of the great adverts for the Premier League to this day.
Yet, that would be far from the end of Brentford's story. An incredible season, helped by the free agent signing of Christian Eriksen, led the Bees to a remarkable 13th-placed finish.
A one-season wonder? Not at all. Adding 13 more points to their tally secured them a top half finish as they avoided the dreaded second-season syndrome.
There was a slight dip down to 16th the following term, which led many to question if the fairytale was over. That was until Frank and co oversaw a rise back up to 10th last campaign.
Like Arsenal, the Bees have seen a major overhaul in their playing squad since their first Premier League fixture. This has usually been out of necessity though.
Big name players like the aforementioned Eriksen, Yoane Wissa, Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo have all departed to forge paths elsewhere. David Raya and Christian Norgaard, who scored on that famous night, have switched sides and now represent the Gunners.
Even the mastermind behind it all said an emotional goodbye, as Frank packed his bags to challenge himself at Tottenham. A challenge that proved too much in hindsight. But with he, Mbeumo, Norgaard, Wissa and Mark Flekken all leaving in the same summer, many assumed the writing was on the wall for Brentford.
That feeling was only amplified when an in-house appointment was made to replace Frank. Keith Andrews stepped up from set-piece coach to take the role, without any prior managerial experience. He was still developing as an assitant manager for the Republic of Ireland when the Bees were first promoted to the top flight.
It sent warning signs. But as always seems to be the case, Brentford got it spot on. Andrews knew the players and has worked wonders with them. Much like how Roberto De Zerbi succeeded a very successful Graham Potter at Brighton, Andrews has taken the foundations left by Frank and built on them perfectly.
The loss of big players has been eased by incredible recruitment. Igor Thiago has recovered from a serious injury to put himself in a position to better Mbeumo and Toney's best return of 20 Premier League goals. The addition of Michael Kayode at the back has made the Bees a massive threat from set-pieces thanks to his long throws. Jordan Henderson appeared to be the anti-Brentford signing, yet has been a marvellous pick up, bringing a level of experience and expertise that the club have lacked in midfield since Eriksen.
Where has that led them, going into the Arsenal game? The answer is simple. European contention. At the time of writing, they are just five points off fifth, which is expected to be enough for a Champions League spot. Should they rework their magic like they did four-and-a-half years ago, that gap will be just two points.
From the 'bus stop from Hounslow' to a certified contender for Europe's elite competition: Brentford's continued rise when the odds often seem to be stacked against them is perhaps one of the more understated love stories the Premier League has to offer.
