Spread the love

Beesotted contributor Jacob ‘The Gowler’ Gowler (@BeesBreakdown) gives us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s win agaisnt Newcastle.

Thomas Frank, forced into a change, decided to deploy Ben Mee at the back with Pinnock injured against Newcastle. Ben Mee joined Ajer, Collins, and Lewis-Potter at the back. Brentford’s midfield trio consisted of Janelt, Nørgaard and Damsgaard. The front three saw Mbeumo out wide, Wissa through the middle, and Schade on the left.

Nune Espirito Santo’s side deployed a 3-4-3 with Morato, Murillo, and Milenkovic on the back line. The wingbacks, Williams and Aina, joined Anderson and Gibbs-White in midfield. Nuno selected Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood, and Elanga on the front line. Forest had options off the bench with the likes of Ryan Yates and Taiwo Awoniyi.

1st Minute

3rd Minute

6th Minute

8th Minute

19th Minute

37th Minute

45th Minute + 1

52nd Minute

73rd Minute

Brentford ended with 64% possession they only recorded 0.72 xG but Forest only had 0.9. The Bees allowed their lowest Passes per Defensive Actions (PPDA) of the season at 4.86, which indicates an effective Brentford high press. This also is influenced by Forest kicking it long, especially with Forest having 50 clearances.

Forest excelled by adjusting and taking advantage of Brentford’s midblock. Initially Anderson and Gibbs-White struggled to get on the ball because of Norgaard and Janelt’s pressure, but by having Anderson drop in to get on the ball it created space between the lines and left Brentford’s midfield with too much ground to cover.

Thomas Frank mentioned this in his post-match press conference, but Forest’s back 3 also helped match up with Brentford when they shift into their 3-2-5 shape in possession. The three centrebacks allowed them to pressure Damsgaard and Wissa dropping in, so it really prevented Brentford from using their normal build up.