UPDATED “Shocking” Paul Merson predicts “SCORES” { Brentford vs Arsenal}3:2
The visitors doubled their aggregate lead inside five minutes after a shocking piece of disorganisation from Brentford.
The hosts piled forward for a corner and were caught on the counter when Arnaut Danjuma dashed clear and slotted home. It added to his goal in the first leg and it left Brentford with a mountain to climb.
But the hosts rallied and were given a lifeline from the penalty spot – albeit the decision looked harsh on Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly.
The ball struck the defender’s arm as he went to ground to put in a block. Referee Jarred Gillett pointed straight to the spot and the ever-reliable Ivan Toney dragged the Bees level when he fired home coolly from the spot.
Jonathan Woodgate’s side suffered a further blow when Chris Mepham, formerly of Brentford, was given his marching orders just before the half-hour mark after bringing down Bryan Mbeumo.
Brentford continued to probe and just after the restart they levelled the tie. Vitaly Janelt’s unorthodox finish from outside the box was scruffy but he nor the delirious home fans didn’t care one jot.