Arsenal Returns top of the Premier League Table after a 3-0 win at Brentford

Although William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus scored, it was Fabio Vieira's sublime strike on his full league debut in the 49th minute that sealed the game. The Portuguese were joined in the midfield by Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, the latter of whom was another standout performer for the visitors at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Gabriel Jesus Arsenal's top scorer            PHOTO FILE

Losing against Manchester United was a devastating letdown after the exhilarating scenes of five straight victories and all that jubilation in the stands. The story of Arsenal's defensive lapses there, rage at the authorities, and missed golden opportunities have been told frequently.

Contrarily, Brentford quickly transformed into a Sunday gathering place for its fans, playing a combination of classic anthems and contemporary hits as their team rose to the top of the league. Arsenal is taking advantage of their time at the top while they can, despite Manchester City's threat, which was inspired by Erling Haaland, growing each week. Do Arsenal supporters believe in Mikel Arteta's method? The camaraderie between his players and the crowd at the game feels stronger than it has with any other Arsenal team in many years.

With a demoralizing 2-0 loss at Brentford to start the previous campaign, a Covid outbreak in the team's camp was allowed as a form of compensation. It foreshadowed a campaign in which early hopes for advancement would be shattered by later disappointment. To win with so ease on the same field suggested more significant advancement. Granit Xhaka, who was excelling in a free role, set up Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal's second goal, which was a stunning goal, with the Brazilian hitting home in a style reminiscent of Haaland.

The Swiss international gave one of his best performances in recent memory for the audience.

Against Brentford, Xhaka was at the height of his power, tackling, leading, intercepting, driving, and assisting to lay the groundwork for the resounding victory. At the sound of the last whistle, the away supporters rightfully sang his name to show their admiration for the player who had been given the armband in place of Martin Odegaard.

Arteta is no longer a rookie manager after nearly three years on the job, but the location of his ceiling remains unknown. After working under Arsène Wenger and alongside Pep Guardiola, the hope was for a combination of the two, though he is working at a club with far fewer resources than his mentors. If Arsenal's £79 million summer transfer net spend appears substantial, it is dwarfed by the £200 million-plus paid for Todd Boehly's Chelsea all-stars, as well as United's attempt to emulate Ajax.

Mikel Arteta enjoying the win with the traveling supporters'     PHOTO FILE

Can this team compete with City for the title? With Chelsea under new management in Graham Potter, United in the midst of yet another rebuilding process, and Liverpool frazzled after sailing too close to the sun last season, it may be up to Tottenham and Arsenal in north London to add any sense of intrigue at the top. Time will tell if these young Gooners are ready to hold the top spot and lift the title at the end of the season.