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Arsenal conceded goals in each half to lose their Premier League opener against Brentford
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's boss, said that he was surprised that the Premier League opener between Brentford and Arsenal went ahead after several coronavirus cases.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, as well as Alex Runarsson, were all unable to attend Friday's 2-0 defeat after positive tests.
Willian is also on the mend after receiving a positive Covid-19 test.
Arteta stated that she was shocked by the fact that regulations or regulators had decided play was the best option.
Last season, Covid outbreaks forced games to be moved in Manchester City and Aston Villa.
The Premier League reported earlier this week that 11 cases had been identified in two rounds of testing, which took place between 9 August to 15 August.
The League does not have an absolute limit on the number of positive cases that could cause a game being called off. However, clubs would need to contact them to request such a decision.
Arsenal did not request a delay. All staff and players were tested again and the results were positive. The game was allowed to go ahead.
Arteta was asked if he or the club requested that the game be cancelled. He replied, "What we did is the only thing we could do through the club and through the doctor." Arteta explained the situation and discussed the risks.
Arteta gave debuts to summer signings Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and forward Folarin Balogun against the Bees.
The Gunners performed poorly as Brentford celebrated its return to the top tier with a remarkable win.
Arteta said that the 48-hours before the match had been an amazing one, which created uncertainty.
"It was likely an unprecedented Arsenal line up."
Arteta stated that the Covid players had "had some difficult days" as they look ahead to Arsenal's next match.
Aubameyang returned to training after being vaccinated against coronavirus, but Lacazette had not yet returned as the squad prepared for Sunday's Premier League match against Chelsea.
Arteta stated that his players had received both Covid-19 vaccines, and that the club was trying to get all of its staff vaccinated.
He said that most of the patients were double-vaccinated or received one vaccine.
We are trying to motivate them to get vaccinated to protect their family and themselves. This is a very personal issue. We are trying to help them understand the benefits, but ultimately it is their decision.
