Arsenal lose friendly to second-division Brentford

As part of Arsenal's preparations to resume the 2019-20 Premier League campaign on Wednesday, June 17 versus reigning champions Manchester City, the Gunners scheduled a Wednesday friendly against Championship side Brentford. 

Arsenal dispatched of Charlton Athletic 6-0 in Saturday's exhibition, and one may have expected a similar result during the midweek. 

Instead, Brentford handed Arsenal a surprising 3-2 defeat at the Emirates. 

As Charles Watts wrote for Goal.com, Brentford thrice hit the back of the net during the second half to halt any momentum Arsenal gained from their previous warm-up contest. Watts added Arsenal may play one more friendly before the club faces City in the campaign's return-to-play. 

While City sit second in the league table and are four points clear of Leicester City, Arsenal are ninth and battling for a berth in next season's European competitions. With City facing a potential Champions League ban, though, an Arsenal win next week could pull the Gunners to within two points of a UCL spot. 

Arsenal are one of only four clubs with 10 league fixtures remaining. The others have nine left to play. 

Brentford are currently fourth in the Championship.