Mikel Arteta admits he was ‘surprised’ Arsenal’s trip to Brentford went ahead

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Willian, and back-up goalkeeper Alex Runarsson were all self-isolating after returning positive Covid tests

Mikel Arteta, right, was unable to call on captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last week after he tested positive for Covid-19 (Shaun Botterill/PA)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was “surprised” the club’s Premier League opener at Brentford last week was not postponed following a number of positive Covid-19 tests among his squad.

It was revealed on Thursday that captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, as well as Willian and back-up goalkeeper Alex Runarsson were all self-isolating after returning positive results.