Saturday night was all sorts of fun. Brentford running rings around Manchester United although still wondering how it ended in a draw rather than another famous win for Thomas Frank’s team (the post match debrief from that one is here). Now, we all go back to the Gtech on Wednesday evening with Brighton the visitors this time.
The calm before the storm on Saturday
As ever in the build up, we look to who might make the Brentford starting XI. Will there be changes? Was Thomas bluffing in his press conference? Will Brighton be knackered after Sunday’s trip to Liverpool?
A frustrating night for Brentford ended in a 2-1 defeat at Brighton. Perhaps, as pertinent, being the question as to whether Bryan’s injury is a serious as it looks. Having him back for Sheffield United on Saturday the obvious concern now.
Further injury woe for The Bees
The ever growing casualty list aside, who shone against Brighton? Could we see further changes when the Bees travel to Sheffield United? Who made the top five for Brentford, not to mention star player?
A sad week for the game of football off the pitch was very much one where what happened on field will stay with us for the rest of the season. It wasn’t so much the fact that Brentford beat Burnley 3-0 but the nature of the way they did it. Our second goal from Bryan Mbeumo was special. The third, Saman Ghoddos with the sweetest strike we’ve seen in some time, next level. Oh, for more of the same when we play Chelsea on Saturday.
Meeting the man of the hour at the club shop during the week, he promised our Harry he’ll be aiming for ‘top left’ when we play at Stamford Bridge. Let’s see…..
Could we get more of the same – goals, that is – at Chelsea on Saturday?
All of which got me then thinking about the best Brentford goals, ever. We all have our views as to which they are. Something as much dictated by what has been captured on film….
For this week’s Thursday feature looking at the broader world of football, we’ve taken a Bees-centric perspective in the ‘top five’ segment. Namely, the five greatest Brentford goals of all time. At least, in my opinion.
Goal of the season contenders are like the 65 bus. You wait ages and then two come along at once. Saturday’s 3-0 defeat of Burnley saw Brentford back to their brilliant best. The cherry on the cake being wonder strikes from first Bryan Mbeumo and then Saman Ghoddos. With Neal Maupay starting his first game and players returning to fitness (Ben Mee was on the bench) there’s plenty to look forward to ahead of our trip to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime.
Full time – the smile says it all after a chance encounter
For now though, a look back at the Burnley game. Who was the star player for Brentford? Who made our top five? Will it be more of the same for Chelsea or could anybody make the leap from bench to starting XI ?
Another trip to Craven Cottage for Brentford. Another trashing of Fulham. This time, the score was 3-0. It could have been more but the sheer dominance from the Bees was as pleasing as the full time result. Goals from Mbeumo (2) and Wissa rounding off what was a great team performance. On this showing, Saturday’s game at home to Crystal Palace can’t come soon enough.
For now, though, our look back at who was the star player for Brentford from the Fulham match. Who made up the top five and who might be in contention for the aforementioned game with Crystal Palace.
As ever, the answers can be found here in the post match debrief and player review. Whilst Rico Henry was a standout candidate last time in the draw with Spurs, any of several players could have had a quite legitimate claim to scoop top spot. Does you call agree with mine….?
Brentford 2 Spurs 2. We go again, as somebody once said. Another season in the top flight for the Bees is now underway. A game with just about everything except a red card saw the spoils shared and both sides happy to be off the mark after 105 minutes of football. That’s before you count the delay for the waterworks (but enough about James Maddison). For now, lots to think about ahead of Saturday’s trip to Fulham – most of it very positive.
View from the North Stand – Bryan levels the scores from the spot
As ever on the day after, we look back at who shone for Brentford. At who caused Spurs headaches. Likewise, who could be in contention for the next game. That match at Fulham will be huge with, if nothing else, revenge very much needing to be served up after being mugged by a late Mitrovic winner last time out.
And as ever, you can find that look back right here – in the post match debrief and player ratings article. Ben Mee was last seasons’ overall star performer but with the big man absent on Sunday, who took the chance to steal a march on his crown?
No Ivan? No problem. Brentford went to Tottenham on Saturday morning and came back with yet another magnificent away win. The 3-1 victory for The Bees about as comprehensive as they get. Spurs going for it from the off, running out of steam and then put to the sword in the most brutal fashion. The pat on the knee for Daniel Levy from (presumably) his wife a hilarious cherry on the cake. There, there. It’ll all be ok in the morning. Now, there’s the small matter of completing the double over Manchester City on Sunday in order to try and secure 7th place in the table and whatever European vacation may come as a result.
Brentford fans enjoy the moment. Nice jacket, sir
The Bees were brilliant. Giving us our usual conundrum as to who was the star player? Who made up the rest of the top five? How is the race to find the season long top performer going. HAs anyone played their way into contention for a start against Manchester City? Or a finish?
Is this what they mean by ‘second season syndrome’? Saturday evening saw Brentford write yet another incredible chapter in a story which continues to leap from the pages of a Hollywood movie script. If last season’s home opener against Arsenal had been a nice kick about with the boys, this was a full on bullying. A 4-0 spanking of Manchester United was a performance to rival the destruction of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season. The Bees utterly dominant and scoring goals for fun. Each attack leading to another one on the board and, in the end, the only disappointment being that we didn’t make it to the 7(seven) goal bracketing of United that seemed more than possible with little more than half an hour played. Frank out !!
At least in the Chelsea game our hosts had been vaguely involved. On Saturday, Brentford didn’t allow Manchester United the chance to even step foot in the game. The Bees on them from the off. Even the camaraderie seen in our pre kick-off huddle compared to our visitor’s standing around listlessly in their puke green kits telling you all you needed to know about the mental approach. There were points to be both won and proven here. The narrative around Christian Eriksen allegedly ‘saving our season‘ (yawn) being put to bed in a style that even the good people at Dormeo would have appreciated.
What came next was like nothing seen at Lionel Road. The ferocity of approach up there with the play-off semi. United on the back foot from the off. Brentford hounding their rivals. Running with the ball. Passing it around with aplomb. Mathias Jensen on fire. Christian Eriksen greeted with a cacophony of boos every time he got near the ball. What must he be thinking now? “Left for the money” sung the crowd, amongst other things. He’s walked in to a living nightmare and one which only got worse with every passing minute. Man U? More like Manure.
Within ten minutes, Brentford were ahead. Josh Dasilva receiving the ball from Jensen, drifting across to a shooting position and lashing it low from well outside the box. David de Gea should have stopped it but instead, all he could do was let it squeeze through him and into the back of the net. It was a good shot and let’s also credit the build up of pressure as a contributory factor. David Raya at the other end seeing his squad position for Spain moving up another notch.
Credit, too, for the way Jensen took the ball off Roanldo to provide the assist. The tantrum prone stropmeister then left sitting on his haunches for a good 30 seconds after the ball had hit the back of the net. Like Eriksen, all his nightmares coming true. Unlike Eriksen, he had no fight. No stomach for a battle. Instead of getting up to inspire his team his game descended into a series of theatrical dives and hissy fits. One thumping of the pitch in frustration having the entire North stand in fits of laughter.
An overprivileged show pony who should have been leading by example. Instead, his petulance and ego only contributing to United’s demise.
Get over yourself, Ronaldo
But if Josh had put us into dreamland with that early goal it was nothing compared to what came next. Jensen doubling the lead after de Gea played a woeful pass out of defence to Eriksen ( think Alvaro Fernandez at Anfield levels of bad) who was sold totally up the river. Jensen reacting quickest and cleverest to nick the ball and with a beautiful shimmy, create the space for 2-0. The cheers as loud as the Bees were brilliant.
Two became three as Ivan Toney plopped it straight on to Ben Mee’s head in a crowded box and then, with 34 minutes gone, the pick of the bunch. Jensen again at the heart of everything. He won the ball off of Jaden Sancho in our box and played a delightful ball half up the pitch straight to Toney. His own first touch then delivering an exquisite raking pass on the diagonal straight to the feet of the on running Mbeumo. Luke Shaw’s clumsy challenge on th edge of the box evaded and the ball stroked home for 4-0. FOUR. NIL. Brentford 4-0 up against Manchester United with little more than a half hour played. My word.
There it stayed until half-time. I genuinely expected United to come back out in different kits, blaming the shirt colour for blending in with the grass as the true reason for the absolute shoeing they’d received. Instead, there was more of that vile green which I’ll be amazed should it ever see ther light of day again. Equally, I expected them to come out at 100mph – Erik ten Hag having delivered the mother of all team talks. Instead, there was nothing. Sure, a bit more endeavour but no real chances. Instead, Aaron Hickey showing that his flattening of Ronaldo meant that we weren’t going to roll over in the second period.
— Everything Scotland 🏴 (@AboutScotlandd) August 13, 2022
4-0 it stayed. It could have been more. Probably should have been more. Yet to be upset with ‘only’ ending the game third in the Premier League and with one of our greatest results ever under the belt would be nothing short of churlish. The full time celebrations showing just what it meant to everyone inside the stadium. That Manchester United were terrible is their problem. You still have to beat your opponents and Brentford did it in a style that made the world sit up and take notice.
Full time as enjoyable as ever
One had to feel for their supporters. Obliterated by Brentford and their misery further compounded by the RMT strike meaning all trains back to Surrey were cancelled.
Or, should that be, almost all their supporters. Professional gobshite Terry Christian was still giving it large before the game. This, despite last season’s gloating having already blown up spectacularly in his face. Some people never learn.
So we play Brentford again in their 3rd cup final in a year
Still, that’s his problem. For me and for Brentford fans it was another beautiful afternoon. Another of those times you have to pinch yourself to see just how far we’ve come. Ten years ago we were drawing 0-0 with Bury at Gigg Lane. I was there for that one and now, well….
It was demonstration that all the money in the world counts for naff all when you are that shambolic. That, ultimately, you cannot put a price on team spirit and mindset.
All the talk coming into the game was about Christian Eriksen. All the talk coming out of it was about Mathias Jensen. He was incredible. Let’s not pretend otherwise. The star man awards (how to pick 5 out of 16 I have no idea) are now up and you can find them here. Otherwise, perhaps might just go and watch Match Of The Day once more. Think we may be first up.
Hello. Hello. What have we here? Two London derbies down. Two wins under the belt. Two to go. With Brentford having blown Chelsea off the park at Stamford Bridge and then disposed of West Ham in a style akin to a cat toying with a spider, April continues apace. Before the visit from Tottenham next Saturday, today we travel to Watford for what is, arguably, a game where form could go out of the window. With the Championship approaching at a rate of knots, will we get the Watford who have lost four of their last five home games? The Watford with the worst home record in the Premier League this season (they’ve lost 12 out of the 15 games played)? The Watford who could emulate the feat of Birmingham City in 1985-86 and lose ten consecutive top flight games?
Or will the desperation of trying to hang on to top flight status mean Brentford are up against a team possessed ? One with nothing to lose – the game aside – by going full tilt from the off. After going down 3-0 to Leeds United in a result our own super-computer had marked as a home win, the Hornets really are now starting to warm up the vocal chords in the last chance saloon.
So far, so good in April
I love the unpredictability of football. Nobody expected Brentford to humble Chelsea. To be fair, nobody expected Chelsea to give Real Madrid the fright they did in what turned out to be the narrowest of second leg defeats in Europe during the week. Thankfully, that one went as predicted as it means our own game with Tottenham remains on a Saturday rather than the graveyard shift of Sunday lunchtime (only Monday nights are worse). Nobody expects Watford to offer much resistance this afternoon, either. Moreso after falling apart against Leeds United – oh, the irony – last time out.
That’s dangerous thinking. For now, they’re still standing but anyone thinking they’re going to sacrifice Premier League status without a fight is in for a bumpy afternoon. There’s nothing more dangerous than a caged hornet backed into a corner. Or should that be what looks like a moose? Red deer rather than catering obsessed narcissist. The Bees are under genuine danger of being hit by a rocket, man. Kitchen sinks being thrown from the off. The big question being how we cope? Suck it up and catch them on the break or take the game to opponents for whom top flight survival is a commodity that is hanging by an ever unravelling thread.
Well, the good news is that, if anything, Brentford now have too many options available. Cripes, imagine saying that earlier in the season. Still, unlike David Moyes we’ve never bleated about it as an excuse for defeat. Poor West Ham. How is Kurt, by the way? The bitch is back. And I love it. Zouma getting everything he deserved and moreso last time out. Take that, you cat kicking fool.
Thomas was left purring with delight after the West Ham game
Now, however, the tables are turned. We have choice. The midfield trio of Christian Eriksen, Christian Norgaard and Vitaly Janelt have been inspired in recent weeks. Having one of the best players in world football will do that to you. Even better news came out of the press conference with confirmation that Josh Dasilva is available once more. Thomas Frank telling the massed ranks of the media that he will be involved with the squad, adding, “Fingers crossed he can stay fit and avoid strange red cards so we see more of him. My take is that a fit Josh Dasilva would have been one of our best performing players this season. “
Given the health update – “He is nowhere near top fit because we need to ease him into it, and it will probably take a couple of weeks before we really see the best of him” – one can only expect Josh to start on the bench. What an option to have though? What we’ve seen of him so far this season since finally recovery form that injury has been nothing short of wonderful. Now, the prospect of seeing a midfield with Dasilva and Eriksen is one which has all Brentford fans drooling. Ivan Toney must be licking his lips at the prospect.
Also back is Pontus Jansson after missing out against West Ham with illness. Just as in midfield, there are now tough choices to be made in the back line. Thomas Frank has showed he’s not afraid to make the big calls, though. To mix things up and stay a step ahead of the opposition. Cripes, if the home support can’t read it what must our opponents think.
Back fours against Norwich and Burnley saw us revert to five at Chelsea, with Mads Roerslev quite wonderful in the right channel. His reward was to make way for Kris Ajer last week as we once again became a four. Good luck working out what we do today but, being realistic, it is the midfield where this game is going to be won or lost. Whether in containing and breaking or taking the game to Watford ourselves.
Will our captain regain his place now fit again?
For what its worth, I expect us to try and dictate the pace. Whichever line up Thomas has gone for, the approach has been one of going for it from the off. That twenty minute burst where the Bees look to assert themselves. Snuffing out the opposition as easily as a candle in the wind before they can get into the game.
Sitting back has rarely worked well, regardless of whether we are playing Liverpool or Leeds United. I can only expect more of the flair seen in the last month as we aim to make it three league wins in a row.
I can’t wait for this one. It’s not going to be easy. And that’s just the getting to Vicarage Road where the travel has already been decimated thanks to bank Holiday engineering works. All being well, it’ll be worth the effort. Limbs from the Bees faithful. Sad songs from our hosts.
If nothing else, we’ve still got the green jacket. Regular readers to this page know the current win ratio Hakuna Matata indeed. It means no worries !
From Carrow Road to Stamford Bridge and beyond – the stats don’t lie
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