Arsenal half time player ratings: 'Rattled' 4/10 but 8 'very up for it' against Brentford

An organised Brentford side are posing problems for Arsenal in west London on Wednesday evening with the two sides level at half time.

The Gunners started well but it was a swaggering Bryan Mbeumo who drew first blood for the hosts, beating Riccardo Calafiori and slotting home past the returning David Raya.

Gabriel Jesus has got the taste for goals over the festive period and found himself on the scoresheet just over 15 minutes later, diving in with a header from close range. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated in the first half.

Arsenal half time player ratings

GK - David Raya, 4

Looks well rattled by the boisterous Brentford fans behind the goal on his return to the Gtech. Called into action early to take a decent Keane Lewis-Potter cross out of Bryan Mbeumo’s path but probably should have done better with the goal, despite having his view somewhat blocked by Riccardo Calafiori. Almost fumbled a Lewis-Potter shot into his own goal, which would have been embarrassing.

LB - Riccardo Calafiori, 4

Looked to get physical with Mbeumo early but the Bees man wasn’t put off, easily tricking his way past the defender for his goal.

CB - Gabriel, 6

Looking a little casual at times so far this evening.

CB - William Saliba, 7

Brentford more threatening on the other half of defence but Saliba will have to keep a watchful eye on Lewis-Potter darting in.

RB - Jurrien Timber, 4

Picked up a silly yellow card for an unnecessarily hefty challenge near the Brentford box. That’s five yellows now and a one game suspension.

CM - Mikel Merino, 5

Seeing plenty of the ball and afforded a lot of space, but not doing a great deal with it.

CM - Thomas Partey, 7

Fired a dangerous shot off immediately before the Jesus goal. Has picked some nice passes but needs to be careful with Wissa never far away from closing him down.

CM - Martin Odegaard, 6

Lacking his usual influence thus far with Partey looking the most creative in the centre of the park.

LW - Gabriel Martinelli, 6

Not causing too much trouble for Brentford and yet to really get running at the defence.

ST - Gabriel Jesus, 8

Looks very up for it tonight. Has dropped back at times and worked well to get his side moving. Right place at the right time to get his head on the rebound after Partey’s cross and bring the Gunners level.

RW - Ethan Nwaneri, 4

Shown love by the travelling fans on his first Premier League start but quiet so far.