Beesotted contributors The Gowler and Paul Kowalczyk (@BeesBreakdown) give us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s draw against Arsenal.
Thomas Frank switched to using a 3-5-2, which is common against Big 6 clubs. Janelt, Ajer, and Roerslev were the changes from the Southampton match last week. Dasilva, Wissa, and Hickey went to the bench as Thomas Frank looked to stay compact at the back and hit Arsenal on counter attacks.
Arsenal lined up in their typical 4-3-3 with Zinchenko playing an inverted left back role. Zinchenko looks to support Arsenal’s midfield by creating a box with Ødegaard, Partey, and Xhaka. Saka, Nketiah and Martinelli led Arsenal’s front line with Gabriel Jesus still recovering from injury.
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Quick Stats:
Possession: Arsenal 69% – 31% Brentford
xG: Arsenal 1.55 – 2.01 Brentford
Big Chances: Arsenal 1 – 3 Brentford
Other Brentford stats:
Total Shots: 9
Interceptions: 6
Tackles won: 8 (67%)
Aerial duels won: 32 (56%)
Summary
Brentford used their high press during Arsenal goal kicks or certain situations when Brentford had time to set up. When Arsenal did beat Brentford’s high press they consistently made errors and allowed Brentford to win back possession. Occasionally, even though Brentford’s players may have been high up the pitch, this was not a high press. At times, Brentford allowed Arsenal possession and the ability to freely carry the ball up the pitch.
When Brentford allowed Arsenal possession Brentford would settle into their low block and compact defence. Arsenal would try to draw Brentford out wide, but Mbeumo, Toney and Wissa dropped back to help Brentford contain Arsenal’s attack.
Arsenal did well creating passing options and used diagonal runs into the box to try to pull Brentford’s players out of position. Casual viewers may think all Brentford offered was counter attacking football, but we know the Bees offer much more than that.
When winning possession back the Bees tried to play out of the pressure and then find Toney isolated one on one where he rarely lost an aerial duel. Toney won 12 out of 13 aerial duels and his hold up play was crucial to Brentford’s success.
Brentford threatened from free-kicks, throw-ins, and even goal kicks because of Toney’s massive performance. Mbeumo led the team in shot creating actions from feasting off Toney’s headers while Janelt led the team in tackles/interceptions with his excellent positioning. Pinnock had another fantastic performance with 10 clearances, heading clear any balls crossed into the box.
Raya not only had 6 huge saves but he completed 23 long balls. Raya’s accurate distribution helped Brentford retain possession and easily get the ball high up the pitch. Raya actually led the team with 6 passes into the final third, which doesn’t include set pieces. This was more than Ødegaard who only had 5.
While Arsenal hope Brentford didn’t spoil their title hopes, the Bees look on to hosting Crystal Palace at home this Saturday. Look for our match preview Twitter thread to see what to look out for against Palace.
Thanks for this tactical breakdown. Very inciteful and interesting.