Beesotted contributor Jacob ‘The Gowler’ Gowler (@BeesBreakdown) gives us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s loss against Fulham.
No changes for Thomas Frank’s starting XI to face Fulham. Yarmoliuk and Kayode already making their cases for permanent spots in the side. Macro Silva’s side matched up in a 4-2-3-1 with Robinson, Bassey, Andersen, and Tete on the backline. Lukic and Berge formed the double pivot while Smith Rowe occupied the number 10 role. Iwobi and Traore the wingers looking to serve Jimenez with plenty of crosses.
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Brentford created 2.87 xG to Fulham’s 0.99 xG, but the Cottagers came away with 3 points. The Bees created chances in a variety of ways, building out of the back, winning second balls, pressing on heavy touches, and as always, set plays. Still, Brentford failed to capitalize on a few big chances and let Fulham stay in the game.
Fulham had difficulty against Brentford’s high press, rarely building out of the back as they would’ve liked and instead relying on fullbacks to progress the ball. It’s no surprise Fulham scored two goals from crosses into the box with how many they send in a game.
Damsgaard and Yarmoliuk both ended with 8 ball recoveries, really feasting on second balls and heavy touches. Unfortunately, after Thomas Frank’s substitutions to bring on Rico Henry, Jensen, and Thiago, the Bees only created three shots for 0.14 xG.
One thing for the future: there may be questions on how to best incorporate Thiago with Wissa on the pitch, and ways to get the most out of Jensen with his limited minutes.
