Brentford kicked off their return to their top flight for the first time in 74 years in perfect fashion, defeating Arsenal 2-0 at the Brentford Community Stadium.
It was a composed performance from Thomas Frank’s side, with Arsenal unable to deal with their opponents’ high intensity and pressure.
Brentford took the lead on 22 minutes when the Gunners failed to adequately clear the ball away.
The ball fell to Sergi Canos, who cut inside past Calum Chambers and fired his strike into the bottom corner.
Christian Norgaard made it 2-0 on 73 minutes after Arsenal again failed to deal with a defensive situation – this time from a long throw.
The victory meant Brentford around 17 hours on top of the Premier League until Manchester United‘s 5-1 victory over Leeds.
It was made all the more special by the presence of a packed-out Brentford Community Stadium.
Amongst them was an 88-year-old who was in the stands the last time the club played top flight football in 1947.
Brentford head coach Frank said after the game: “Everyone who was in the stadium today will never forget this. I am proud to be a part of that.”
Frank celebrates with young fan
There was one moment that was particularly touching on the night involving Frank and a young fan.
Brentford players and staff did a lap of honour following the victory, during which Frank spotted a young supporter on the front row of one of the stands.
The Dane made his way over before celebrating with the supporter, who was visibly delighted to share the heartwarming moment with his club’s manager.
Several players then ran over to celebrate the victory with the young fan, including goalscorer Norgaard.
It was a fantastic moment, and a reminder of exactly what football is all about.
The young fan in the footage is a Brentford fan named Woody, who has Down’s syndrome.
He led Brentford out on the pitch as a mascot for their Championship clash with Millwall back in 2018 – a day which his mother described as “the best day of his life“.
You can find out more about Woody’s story here.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
