'This is beautiful': World erupts over young fan's magical moment

It took less than one game into the new English Premier League season for Brentford to endear themselves to the football world.

Back in the English top flight for the first time in 74 years, the Bees' 2-0 win over London heavyweights Arsenal in their season opener sent shockwaves through world football.

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The most heartwarming storyline came after the match as Brentford manager Thomas Frank soaked in the rapturous scenes at the Brentford Community Stadium, doing a lap of honour to seemingly thank each and every one of the 17-thousand-plus fans in attendance.

One fan in particular caught the manager's attention most, and the images of Frank going over to greet the youngster in the crowd has melted the hearts of fans around the world.

Woody O’Rourke was a regular attendee of Brentford's home games until the Covid-19 pandemic saw crowds banned from attending matches.

The young lad couldn't miss Brentford's historic return to the big stage and was at the centre of an emotional post-match moment with the manager.

In beautiful footage that has been viewed millions of times by users on social media, Frank races over to the young fan and embraces him in an unbridled moment of celebration.

The joy on both their faces was obvious to see, with the viral moment described by some fans as "one of the best moments you'll see all season".

Afterwards, Frank left a special message for O’Rourke to thank the youngster for his incredible support.

“Hi Woody, thank you so much for your support, it means the world to me, to us, to Brentford that you support us and cheer us on,” he said.

“It was fantastic to see you on Friday night and we will do everything we can to continue this journey together.”

Bees sting Arsenal in top flight return

Brentford marked their first game in the top flight for 74 years and their first in front of fans at their new stadium with an emotional 2-0 victory over ragged Arsenal.

Sergi Canos carved his name into the west London club's Hall of Fame on Friday when he cut inside Calum Chambers and drilled a low shot past Bernd Leno after 22 minutes to spark an explosion of joy from the fans who have waited so long to take their place in the new 17,500-capacity home.

It was the least Brentford deserved as, revelling in their chance to take on the big boys, they took the game to an Arsenal team who looked disjointed and toothless in the absence of "unwell" strike duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Some hesitant Arsenal defending after a long throw in the 73rd minute allowed Christian Norgaard to head home the second and Brentford, the team who suffered an agonising nine playoff failures before finally succeeding last season, were in dreamland.

Their red and white bedecked fans filed off into the night singing "we are top of the league" and though they are unlikely to stay there for long, nobody can begrudge them their moment.

Bees boss Thomas Frank praised his side's bravery and said they deserved to revel in their opening win.

“Everyone who was in the stadium today will never forget this. I am proud to be part of that.

“I have such a big belief in this school of players, this team. I just had this feeling that I would be disappointed if we didn’t beat them (Arsenal).

“I think we deserved to win the game. The fans were electric, they created an unbelievable atmosphere.

“Maybe we had 100 fans outside of west London. Now maybe we have few more?

"It was a historical evening and it is crazy we opened the Premier League season with a win over Arsenal.

“Tonight we need to celebrate and be proud, and I will get my glass of wine or two.”

with agencies

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