Mikel Arteta has pointed to the absence of his senior players after the Gunners were on the receiving end of a sobering defeat in their Premier League opener at Brentford. The Spaniard was forced to name a youthful side in west London, handing academy prospect Folarin Balogun a rare start in attack with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette both missing through illness.

There were also starts for Emile Smith Rowe and a Premier League debut for Albert Sambi Lonkonga in midfield and the 21-year-old Belgian even fronted up media duties after the game, once again pointing to the lack of leadership within this Arsenal side.

Arsenal were bullied at times by Ivan Toney and the Bees, who were literally buzzing on their top-flight return following last season’s Championship play-off success.

Thomas Frank’s side laid down the law early doors that they will not change their approach and strategy for anyone as Arsenal fell victims to the thunderous atmosphere inside the Brentford Community Stadium.

Former Liverpool wideman Sergi Canos struck a brilliant opener to open Brentford’s Premier League account before Christian Norgaard punished from a long throw-in to head in a second.

JUST IN: Harry Kane’s camp ‘not ruling out new Tottenham contract’ amid Man City transfer saga

“A lot of young boys were doing everything they can. For some of them it was the first experience in the league – that says a lot.”

Arteta was pointing towards the absence of a number of his senior players including his two star strikers and he was unable to confirm whether the duo will be fit to face Chelsea next week.

“I can’t change that. We knew that before the game. I don’t know [if they’ll be available for the next game],” he added.

“What I can control and help, I’ll put all my enthusiasm and work into that.”

Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

Arsenal will have to improve quickly though with European champions Chelsea in town next Sunday when they visit the Emirates.

The Blues get their campaign up and running tomorrow versus Crystal Palace and while Romelu Lukaku will be absent, he will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Arsenal’s timid defence.

“We weren’t good enough to beat them. To do certain things, you have to do some basics right & we didn’t,” Arteta added.

“In the box, we need more [of a] threat, as much as possible. When we get in this position [final-third], we need to be much more ruthless & we weren’t tonight.”