Spread the love

Beesotted contributors The Gowler and Paul Kowalczyk (@BeesBreakdown) give us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s draw against Aston Villa.

Thomas Frank’s side came out in a 3-5-2 with three changes from the Brighton match. Collins, Ajer, and Zanka started in an unchanged backline, joined by Roerslev and Reguilon. Sergio Reguilon got the start over Lewis-Potter and left wing-back. Janelt and Jensen were joined by Damsgaard getting the start over Yarmolyuk. Mbeumo joined Wissa up top with Toney dealing with a slight injury, but still available off the bench.

Unai Emery’s deployed a 4-4-1-1 with Konsa, Carlos, Torres, and Digne across the backline. Bailey and Rodgers the wide midfielders, with Tielemans and Luiz in the centre of the pitch. McGinn drifted behind Watkins up top, looking to feed on diagonal passes in-behind.

25th Minute

30th Minute

37th Minute

38th Minute

46th Minute

59th Minute

68th Minute

80th Minute

Summary

Although Aston Villa had much more possession, Brentford ended up winning the xG battle. Brentford enjoyed some clinical finishing, ending with 2.24 xGOT on 1.56 xG. Brentford surprisingly created most of their xG from open play, although still using set plays to get numbers forward.

Aston Villa did well to use clever movement to create some chances going forward. Brentford allowed some penetrating passes that typically isn’t seen with their compact defence. The Bees are also still having some momentary lapses on defence, particularly defending crosses.

Brentford have a very important match at the weekend against Sheffield. The Bees currently sit 15th thanks to another points deduction to Everton. The Bees lost their last match against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, but they can’t afford to drop points this time.