Correlation FC

Arsenal defeat the Bees, 2-0

Brentford fought admirably, but in the end, weren't able to create enough chances. Meanwhile, Arsenal were able to capitalise on two of their own. Final score: 2-0 Arsenal.

What was different

Keith Andrews fielded a much different squad against Arsenal than he did against Burnley, making 5 changes to the starting lineup. That's the most that he's made in the league this season.

Brentford's starting lineup changes for the 2025-26 Premier League season (source FBref)

The Bees are playing with greater squad depth now than they have during the Premier League era, so while some of the faces were different, the approach and intensity were much the same. Aaron Hickey was the only Burnley starter who didn't make it into the squad – the others were on the bench and came into the game in the second half.

Trends that continued

No more red shirts, please

The Bees have struggled against teams wearing red this season. They've now lost four straight games when the other team wears red (Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Palace and Arsenal). Fortunately, they're unlikely to see opponents in red again until they play Bournemouth away in March.

Other data stories

Kelleher's best game for the Bees?

Caoimhin Kelleher joined the club in the summer and has been the clear first choice in goal for the Bees ever since. While he didn't end up with a clean sheet, the game against Arsenal may have been his busiest and best in goal for Brentford.

He set new season bests in a number of areas:

Kelleher will be counted on for more strong performances down the road. For now, he and the Bees management will surely be satisfied with how well he's established himself as a Premier League #1.