Ivan Toney gave his all in Brentford’s late 2-1 loss at Arsenal. But does that include giving Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta a transfer headache in the summer?
The once-capped Englishman, who will be 28 on March 16, is also being linked with Chelsea. But Brentford could demand £80million-plus for the striker, who has hit the ground running following an eight-month ban.
Battle vs Saliba – 3/5
Against one of the best central defenders in the world right now in William Saliba, Toney had his work cut out for him to find even an inch of space with or without the ball. They enjoyed some great tussles in the early moments, with Toney winning a few neat flick-ons with Saliba breathing down his neck. Saliba got his own back with a great bodycheck on the Englishman. Toney took it well, smiling as he dragged himself up from the deck.
Ability to Press – 2/5
An area of his game that he rarely gets to show owing to Brentford’s unique set-up and style, and it was no different at the Emirates. That is not to say he was not effective defensively at times, with a few interceptions acting as a nuisance to Arsenal’s build-up play from deep.
Aerial Dominance – 3/5
It is not easy to beat one of either Saliba or Gabriel in the air with even a decent run-up, but Toney showed he has the spring with a few headers clutched out of the sky. A free nod from a corner could have ended with a goal but he was instead outmuscled by his own man Christian Norgaard. In the second half, he got more joy out of Saliba with a neat touch down for Wissa that almost created an opening.
The Nitty-Gritty – 4/5
Mikel Arteta wants more streetwise players in his squad, and Toney has plenty of that in his locker. Holding on to Ben White’s arm for longer than necessary from a goal kick had the Arsenal right-back all riled up – just the way he likes it. Toney also played his part in getting Gabriel an early yellow, sprinting over to the referee after the Brazilian pulled Yoane Wissa’s shirt. In the second half, he flung Jakub Kiwior to the deck somehow out of the referee’s eye, and with the game getting away from Brentford, he squared up to Gabriel having held on to the Brazilian’s leg while on the ground.
Penalty Box Mentality – 2/5
This is Toney’s bread and butter – clinical finishing where it matters – but he fluffed his first chance gifted to him on a plate by Saliba, dithering too much with the ball at his feet. His visits into Arsenal’s box were few and far between, however, and he completely aired a rare cross from Wissa that left him frustrated with himself. He almost made up for his lack of clear-cut chances with a 40-yard punt with the outside of his boot that nearly caught out Ramsdale but for a fingertip save.
While Ivan Toney’s performance against Arsenal showcased his skills and determination, it remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta will be swayed enough to pursue the striker in the summer transfer window. With his impressive display in key areas of the game, Toney certainly caught the attention of both Arteta and the Brentford faithful. Whether he will don the Arsenal shirt in the future is yet to be determined, but one thing is for sure – Toney’s audition left a lasting impression.
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