‘You need to play a perfect game against Arsenal’ – Frank praises Gunners after New Year’s Day defeat

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has hailed Mikel Arteta and Arsenal after losing 3-1 at home to the Gunners on New Year’s Day.

Despite going ahead early on through Bryan Mbeumo, Arsenal came back at the hosts.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli were enough to secure all three points and move the Gunners back into second.

Even though they have one of the best home records in the Premier League, the Danish head coach was resigned to the fact that it can be impossible to play against Arsenal on their best day.

Speaking after the game, Frank said: “You need to play a perfect game against Arsenal, one of the two best teams in the league, probably in the world.

“I thought actually we were close to perfect in the first half, I loved the way we played.

“I thought we were brave on the ball, created some good opportunities and got out of the pressure quite easily.”

Thomas Frank is taking the positives from Brentford’s defeat to Arsenal 💪

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“I’m pleased with the performance, especially the first half, and also I thought the second half was not too bad – we just conceded two goals.

“I think the overall performance was good, maybe very good, but the big moments we didn’t take them well enough today – especially the three defensive moments.

“Of course I would love to have a full squad, but I haven’t so we’ll find solutions for that. We’ll deal with it. The medical department is working extremely hard so we’ll find a way.”

Frank also had his say on the title race, saying: “It’s a long season. I understand why Arne Slot is saying ‘we haven’t won anything yet’.

“Liverpool haven’t had a dip yet and that will most likely come, and Arsenal are picking up points when they’re not fully firing. It will go right to the end.”