You wait ages for a Premier League double and then two come along at once. Brentford leaving it late, so very late, to grab the winning goal and condemn Watford to another home defeat. A 2-1 scoreline one that the hosts may feel sees them hard done by but goals win games. Would that Ian Moose had been present – he might have, I neither know nor care – I’m sure the TalkSport narcissist would have been berating the Hornet’s frontline and strapping on his own shooting boots such was the proliferation of late chances they had. One, from Louza, will now have a permanent home in the ‘How did that not go in? files’ . It should have been buried. Instead, with just seconds of time added on left over, it was hoofed over from lads out rather than placed into the gaping goalmouth. The Bees got the ball to safety, went down the other end and Pontus Jansson did his thing to send the travelling fans nuts. Last weekend’s WW over West Ham now followed by one over Watford. Five wins out of the last six and the top ten a very real prospect. On this kind of form, anything is possible when Tottenham visit on Saturday.
As regular readers will know, we don’t do full fat match reports on these pages. If you were there, you saw it. Otherwise there’s all manner of ways to catch up on what happened. The main talking points being Brenford once more showing that never say die indefatigability. As Pontus rose to head home the winner and charge toward the flailing limbs from the massed ranks of the way support in front of him, it brought memories of West Ham and Wissa back to the fore. That one, a game where the denouement had come just as late. Where once more things had been down our end. Where the eruption of delight was writ large on everyone’s faces.
Even this morning our Harry was still smiling: “Dad. Dad. There’s only 12 second left. 12 seconds” his joyous realisation as we celebrated em-masse. That glorious bond between fans and players again in evidence as those heroes in white (and blue, let’s not forget David) leapt towards the travelling Bees.
There was no saltiness from the Watford fans in out corner though. Instead, they’d already started melting away long before Louza had been presented the chance to record a home win. Brentford making all the noise. Taking the opportunity to win a game when, being honest, there would have been few complaints had we left Vicarage Road empty handed. Christian Norgaard giving Brentford an early lead following a long throw from Ethan but the game then turning into a dreary nothing rather than the much predicted avalanche of goals.
Brentford with few chances. Watford even less as our backline mopped up anything and everything that came even vaguely close. When the hosts finally levelled up, ten minutes into the second half, there was a brief moment of salvation as the offside flag went up. Then, it was gone. VAR saving the Hornets and the scores were level. From 90 yards away it was hard to say if it was on or off, even prior to the flag. This morning ’s catch up on Match Of The Day does, once more, show the confusion around the decision making process.
Regardless, there were 35 minutes to save the game. Watford had the upper hand, relatively speaking. They must have been wearing gloves though as finding their way to goal a task that seemed as futile as their survival hopes. Err, what super computer? Move along, nothing to see there….
For Brentford, 5 wins out of the last 6. A total 11 out of 33 played in the Premier League and now up to 11th in the table. The green jacket once again present to continue its 100% win ratio. Played 5. Won 5. Goals For: 13. Goals agasint: 3. Points: 15.
Despite the heat of a balmy spring afternoon, it remained firmly in situ from the off – much to Mrs. Bruzon’s disgust. As at Chelsea, she kindly gave her ticket to a friend and so could only follow from afar. Her generosity matched only by the Watford defence. The WhatsApp messages being exchanged both celebrating victory and lamenting the realisation that this luckiest of lucky omens, this (apparent) crime against fashion, lives to see another game.
That game is, of course, the visit of Tottenham. Something something something Christian Eriksen. I suspect it may be mentioned. That’s the media’s thing, of course. For Brentford nothing more to do than focus on the games left. Those last 15 points to play for. The chance to finish our first Premier League season in the top ten. If ever there was incentive to get behind the Bees then here it is. Those berating Phil Giles in January for his transfer strategy now, strangely silent. Those critics of Thomas Frank and keyboard warriors back under their rocks. Every season it’s the same. Every season the joy felt by Brentford confounding both the critics and even our most vocal of followers becomes even more enjoyable.
Tommy Mooney the latest to add his name to those left frustrated. We’ve already had the Burnley commentary crew and West Ham manager David Moyes in recent weeks. Now we can add the name of the one time Watford goal machine to that list. Sit back and enjoy.
For now, a few days to kick back before we get set for Spurs. Our next chance to continue the climb up the table. Another chance to add a notch to the Premier League bedpost.
Tottenham. Tottenham. No once can stop them – as Chas & Dave once sung. On this sort of form, I wouldn’t bank on it…
Until then, here’s the player review…..
Nick Bruzon
BrentfordFC 
Another resilient Bees performance, and yes, VAR providing more questions than answers, the operator contradicting the evidence of his own eyes, and oh Dear Tommy…… have you forgotten how fans and players show passion and commitment to their team? The TV hosts could help here by informing the guest whose mistaken interpretation of the end of game celebs, that it happens after every game?
I am a little worried that we may have a reinvigorated Spurs here on Saturday, given their poor performance Vs & Hove Albion and the mini league chase for 4th place Prem finish. I wouldn’t miss the match for the world and know how much the Spurs fans loved Eriksen and how much I think they’ll want him back for next season……
COYB 🐝🐝🐝
Great summary Nick.
At times, It was a disappointing display yesterday as confirmed by the Coach and some of the players. But all that was all quickly forgotten after Pontus had nodded in the winner – the place went absolutely mad. A number of things did strike me about the game yesterday though;
1. Sarr was beyond Mads when the ball as crossed for their goal, VAR proving once again that it is staffed by incompetence.
2. The quality of Ericssons cross for the second goal was unbelievable.
3. The togetherness and never say die attitude of the squad is fantastic.
4. Ericsson always celebrates the goals with the lads, he really is one of us. I really hope he stays.
5. Even the subs that came on yesterday celebrated enthusiastically, particularly Ghoddos.
6. The way Raya runs the length of the pitch to celebrate with the lads is a prime example of what this means to all the players.
7. Mads played well when he came on for Ethan.
A top ten PL finish is definitely possible, that would some achievement for a newly promoted team.
Am I the only one to realise that the final Watford miss would have been ruled out anyway 2 Watford players were offside in front of goal, but it doesn’t matter he missed !