August 13, 2021. This day is the best memory for Brentford fans and an unforgettable day for Arsenal.

The Bees have just announced their name on the biggest stage, with the self-proclaimed “Bus Stop of Hounslow” wowing one of English football’s giants on their Premier League debut.

It was a huge result for a team then led by Thomas Frank, who were one of the favorites for relegation that season and were expected to have a short stay in the top flight.

It also puts direct pressure on Mikel Arteta’s future as Arsenal manager, who was sacked multiple times last season. The words come from sky sports’ Jamie Carragher is “new season, old story”.

No one could have predicted the chapters that would be written over the next few years, heading into Thursday night’s latest meeting. But it’s safe to say that both have come a long way in the past 1,643 days.

From “Arteta out” to challenging for Premier League glory

While it’s hard to see Arteta now at risk of being sacked for any reason other than failing to win the Premier League or Champions League, there was never a time when the Spaniard was as supportive as he is now.

Last season, the Gunners finished eighth in the Premier League. Leicester City, who are currently struggling in the Championship, are above them. Newly promoted Leeds United are only two points behind them.

Arteta complained about a lot of things that night. He claims his team poses no threat in the attacking zone. They can’t handle set pieces. That’s not a word you’d use to describe his side now, as they are the second-highest scoring team in the top flight and have one of the best records from set-pieces.

You don’t even have to look at where they are in the Premier League to see how much they’ve improved. Just look at the team Arteta has fielded.

Of the 11 players who started, only two remain – Ben White (debut) and Gabriel Martinelli. Neither man is a guaranteed starter anymore.

Bukayo Saka, who came on as a substitute in the second half, received warm applause from the audience. Beyond that, there are almost as many current Arsenal players playing for their opponents. Callum Chambers, Pablo Mari, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Folarin Balogun are all in the starting XI but will leave either permanently or on loan over the next 12-24 months.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were the main forwards but were absent on the night. Now they look out of place in the team Arteta has built.

Arteta has a vision. Arsenal believed this and supported him over time. All players from his squad for the recent win over Sunderland, apart from White and Martinelli, were signed by the club after that game.

This is an example of what a manager will point to when under pressure and say “look what happens if you give me time to rebuild”. Now, years after suffering what was probably his worst defeat, Arteta is back at Gtech with the Premier League trophy so close to his fingertips.

Little Old Brentford continues to defy odds

Brentford’s win was probably the high point of a season for many who have mostly just experienced the Premier League rather than played in it.

The atmosphere that night was indescribable. The sight of Frank celebrating full-time with fans, who have been unable to watch their beloved club since the pandemic, is one of the Premier League’s greatest advertisements to date.

However, Brentford’s story is far from over. Aided by the signing of free agent Christian Eriksen, the Bees had an incredible season, finishing in an impressive 13th place.

A one-season miracle? not at all. A further 13 points ensured they finished in the top half and avoided the dreaded second season syndrome.

The ranking dropped slightly the following semester, to 16th place, leading many to question whether the fairy tale was over. That was until Frank and co were back in 10th place last campaign.

Like Arsenal, the Bees have made significant changes to their squad since their first Premier League game. But this is usually out of necessity.

Big names like the aforementioned Eriksen, Eoin Wiesa, Ivan Toney and Brian Mbemo have all left to carve their own way elsewhere. David Raya and Christian Norgaard, who scored on that famous night, have changed teams and are now playing for the Gunners.

When Frank packed his bags to challenge himself at Tottenham Hotspur, even the man behind the scenes gave an emotional farewell. In hindsight, this was a huge challenge. But with him, Mbomo, Norgaard, Visa and Mark Flecken all departing in the same summer, many thought Brentford’s fortunes were already in jeopardy.

That feeling was only amplified when Frank was appointed internally to succeed him. Keith Andrews takes over the role from set pieces coach and has no previous managerial experience. He was still working as an assistant coach in the Republic of Ireland when the Bees were promoted to the top flight for the first time.

It sends a warning signal. But as usual, Brentford got it right. Andrews knows the players and works wonders with them. Just like Roberto De Zerbi succeeded the hugely successful Graham Potter at Brighton, Andrews took the foundation left by Frank and built on it flawlessly.

The loss of big-name players was mitigated by incredible recruiting. Igor Thiago has returned from a serious injury, allowing him to surpass Mbeumo and Toni’s best Premier League record of 20 goals. Michael Kayode joins the backline and makes the Bees a huge threat from set pieces with his long balls. Jordan Henderson seemed to be a counter-signing to Brentford, but his arrival is a fantastic step forward, bringing experience and expertise that the club has lacked in midfield since Christian Eriksen.

Where will they go heading into the game against Arsenal? The answer is simple. Battle for Europe. At the time of writing, they are just five points adrift of fifth place, which is expected to be enough to secure a Champions League spot. If they recreate their magic like they did four and a half years ago, the gap will be just two points.

From ‘the bus stop from Hounslow’ to serious contenders in Europe’s elite competition: Brentford’s continued rise despite seemingly adverse circumstances is perhaps one of the most understated love stories in the Premier League.