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by Yann Tear

Frank on Cloud Nine after hailing both players and fans following Brentford's night for the ages


Thomas Frank basked in the glory of a perfect night, as the Bees launched a brand new chapter in their history with a superb, emotionally-charged triumph over Arsenal.

Friday night's 2-0 victory over a feeble Gunners side was a magnificent start to Premier League life. It has been a 74-year wait to taste life in the top division.

Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard bagged the goals which meant it was pure bliss for fans and players alike - A 10 out 10 occasion, if ever there was one.

"The fans were amazing," the Bees boss said. "What an atmosphere. I'm a bit speechless. First time in the top-flight, we're opening the Premier League season, fans can dream we're number one in the Premier League. It's a fantastic story.

"We're just a bus stop in Hounslow, we're not supposed to be here. We will celebrate every win, but we want more.

"I think the players today were amazing, they ran themselves to the ground, played with intensity, they were brave and pressed high constantly."

Frank added: "I think we top-performed but there must be a level above that. The fans were absolutely amazing. That was more than a 10/10 performance in terms of atmosphere. Constant singing. Amazing.

"I know after the play-off final there were a lot of proud people, a lot of tears. It’s been a long journey. I thought we deserved the win. What I liked was how brave we were, pressing high and trying to play.

"If there was only one man of the match, it's the fans. I can’t name one of the team, they were all top.

"Of course this is one game. We have to prove it many more times. But this was a good start.

"Tonight I will enjoy it and get a glass of red."

Canos, who had the jo of bagging the first top-flight goal for the bees since Len Townsend in 1947, said: "This is amazing, I've been dreaming about scoring the first goal in the stadium and these people deserve it, we deserve it. Great three points, we need a bit of calm and then we go again next week.

"It is such an incredible moment - fantastic for me and my family who've come all the way from Spain and all my other family in Spain are watching the game. For the club, it's a step forward."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted his disappointing team were very much second best.

"I don’t think we deserved anything different," he said. "They scored from a long throw-in and we didn’t have enough presence in the box. I’m disappointed. We started the season against a good opponent. "The first goal gave them some hope. We wanted to play better in the second half but we need many more shots on target, then we conceded on a set-piece. "What I can control and help, I’ll put all my enthusiasm and work into that."



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