Brentford's Onyeka explains why he didn't talk to Emile Smith Rowe, Xhaka during his EPL debut
Published: August 20, 2021Frank Onyeka had a memorable Premier League debut last Friday, helping new boys Brentford register a shock 2-0 win over Arsenal in a London derby at the Brentford Community Stadium courtesy of goals in each half from Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard.
The Nigeria international played with intensity, showed his willingness to work for his team, was calm in possession and drove forward when necessary.
The Bees fans appreciated the performance of the summer signing from sister club FC Midtjylland, giving him a standing ovation as he went off the pitch in the 80th minute.
Onyeka has admitted that it was tough for him and the Brentford central midfielders in the second half as Arsenal came at them and he had to do a lot of running.
"It was tough for me, Chris Nørgaard and Vitaly Janelt. It was hard for us but what can we do, we just need to push ourselves and make sure they don't get a goal," Onyeka said to Brentford's official webpage.
On receiving a standing ovation when he was replaced by Mads Bidstrup, The Bees number 15 said : "It was a great feeling. I was tired then I was going out and I saw everyone standing, this is amazing.
"None of my family came, just one person from Nigeria, a journalist, she came to watch the game".
Asked if he talked to the Arsenal players during the game, Emile Smith Rowe and Xhaka in particular, Onyeka replied : "No. Why should I talk to them? The only thing I was thinking about was just us - what can we do to get this result.
"I don't talk to the opposition, maybe later on."
"I don't talk to the opposition, maybe later on."
Onyeka and his Brentford teammates have another London derby coming up, a trip to Selhurst Park where they battle Michael Olise's Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : brentfordfc.com
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