Keith Andrews hails Arsenal as Brentford prepare for leaders

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has described Arsenal as “the best team in the country” and admitted his side will need a top performance to challenge the Premier League leaders on Thursday night.

The Bees host Mikel Arteta’s table-toppers at the Gtech Community Stadium on the back of consecutive wins, but Andrews made clear he understands the scale of the task ahead.

“I think they’re a really good team,” Andrews said ahead of the fixture. “I think they know how to win football games, regardless of what is thrown at them within the games.

“You touch on the set-pieces, obviously that’s going to be a huge part of it, and it has been for where they’ve got to and how it’s got them ahead in a lot of games that they’ve played this season.”

Arsenal’s effectiveness from dead-ball situations has been a defining feature of their campaign, but Andrews emphasised that their strengths go far beyond that.

“Equally, the individuals that they have, whoever they can call upon, they’ve got some seriously talented players.

“I think they’re excellent out of possession, the way they defend as a unit, whether it’s high or when they drop low and defend their box, and the relationships that they have. A lot of the players have been together for a few years now and you can see those relationships are pretty tight. So, they’re a very, very well-coached team.”

With Arsenal sitting top of the table, Andrews did not shy away from acknowledging their status.

“They are the best team in the country. The table doesn’t tend to lie.

“They’ve got so many talented individuals that are capable of moments. And then, equally, the way that Mikel has the team set up and how they can hurt you in different phases of the game, you have to be on things for every minute of the game, every second of the game, to try and nullify what they throw at you.

“So we’ll have to produce a top performance.”

Having followed Arsenal’s evolution closely this season, their balance between defensive structure and attacking variety has underpinned their lead at the summit. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions with significant fixtures still to come.

Andrews also reserved special praise for Arteta’s managerial work.

“I’ve got ultimate respect for the way he sets up the team, the way he goes about his business, the journey that he’s brought that team on, the mentality that he’s instilled within the group, and they’re in a pretty good position.

“I think a lot of Arsenal fans would have taken that at the start of the season.”

Brentford’s recent form offers encouragement, but Thursday’s meeting represents one of their toughest tests of the campaign.

Brentford will look to extend their winning run and test Arsenal’s consistency under pressure. A positive result could further strengthen their home form and confidence.

For Arsenal, maintaining momentum at the top of the table will be crucial as the title race intensifies in the coming weeks.

Can Brentford disrupt the league leaders, or will Arsenal reinforce their grip on top spot?