da esport bet： The Gunners goalkeeper made two strong saves in front of a hostile crowd as he proved he still has what it takes to be the Gunners' No.1

da dobrowin： Aaron Ramsdale had been hearing it all game. After seemingly losing his spot to summer signing David Raya, Arsenal's former(?) No.1 was a target for Brentford supporters throughout. They took every opportunity to poke and prod at the opposing goalkeeper. It was good old fashioned mental warfare.

So you can't blame Ramsdale for being ready to give it back. After making the game's big save, the one that preserved a 1-0 win for the Gunners, Ramsdale turned towards the fans and stared them down. Statement made, both to Brentford and, perhaps, Mikel Arteta.

Ramsdale's heroics helped Arsenal secure victory in the third round of the Carabao Cup, one claimed thanks to an early Reiss Nelson goal. Of the outfield players, Nelson was the best of the bunch, although Takehiro Tomiyasu was close behind as he showed off his versatility across Arsenal's backline.

However, in this one, all eyes were on Ramsdale as he returned to Arsenal's XI. And, going forward, he certainly made his case, doing whatever he could to give Arteta something to think about.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Gtech Community Stadium …

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Aaron Ramsdale (7/10):

Was targeted by Brentford fans all night, but made the one colossal save when called upon, pushing a Wissa shot onto the post. It wasn't his only stop, as he got his hands to another strong strike a few minutes later, but it was the best one for a player that could use the boost.

Ben White(7/10):

A strong game that ended a bit prematurely as Arteta played it safe because of a first-half yellow card. Smooth on the ball and just fine defensively.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (8/10):

Fantastic in his start at centre-back, where he played until shifting back to right-back in the second half. Could we see him centrally more in the future?

Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

Had one big tackle and did plenty of cleaning up when Brentford did get forward. Strong as usual.

Jakub Kiwior (7/10):

Had a few absolutely gorgeous passes. His versatility was an asset, too, as he played both on the left and centrally. A late goal-line clearance saved Arsenal, too.

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Emile Smith Rowe (7/10):

After over a year out of the starting line-up, Smith Rowe stepped right into the XI and looked like he hadn't missed a beat. Deserved a goal or assist and was one of the Gunners' most dangerous players.

Jorginho (7/10):

A typical Jorginho performance. Did whatever he wanted with the ball and provided the presence you'd expect from the player wearing the armband. As the second half wore on, the Gunners needed a bit more defensively, though.

Kai Havertz (6/10):

Just didn't do as much as those around him to impact the game. To be fair, the whole mood would have changed if a bounce or two went his way as he perhaps deserved an assist.

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Reiss Nelson (8/10):

A fantastic performance, and not just because of the goal. The finish was the easy part, as Nketiah put it on a plate, but his general work down that right-hand side kept Brentford on their heels all night long.

Eddie Nketiah (7/10):

Great work on the goal to tee up Nelson. Was the right decision to pass, as Nketiah easily could have tried to hopelessly blast it instead. The fact that he didn't is a sign of growth from a young striker.

Charles Sagoe Jr.(6/10):

Not a bad first impression from the youngster, who was handed his first start after impressing for the Under-21s. Looked fine whenever the ball did come his way, but the game was played much more down Nelson's side.

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Gabriel Jesus (6/10):

Came on to replace Nketiah and created a few chances, but couldn't get the goal to ease Arsenal's nerves.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

Had one really good sequence on the left, but a bit quiet otherwise as Brentford pushed forward more.

Matin Odegaard (N/A):

Came on with less than 10 minutes left and didn't get much time to do what he does.

Mohamed Elneny (N/A):

As the game wore on, the Gunners needed some defensive help in the midfield, which is why Arteta turned to the Egyptian

Cedric Soares (N/A):

Came on with just a few minutes remaining to add fresh legs.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

Got just about everything right. Got some key players some rest and learned a bit about the likes of Smith-Rowe and Sagoe Jr. Mission accomplished.