Beesotted contributor Jacob ‘The Gowler’ Gowler (@BeesBreakdown) gives us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s draw against Everton.
Thomas Frank forced into making one change to the starting XI that thrashed Leicester, with Nørgaad out with a concussion. Ajer and Lewis-Potter continued to start as the fullbacks, with Pinnock joining Collins as the centrebacks. Yarmoliuk replaced Nørgaard in the double pivot with Janelt, while Damsgaard looked to continue his scintillating form as the number 10. Brentford’s unchanged front 3 of Mbeumo, Wissa, and Schade provided pace against a stout Everton defence.
David Moyes’ Everton side came out in a 4-2-3-1 with Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, and O’Brien at the back. The double pivot consisted of Garner and Gueye, while Alcarez occupied the number 10 role. Jack Harrison and Lindstrøm flew down the wings while Beto the traditional target man up top. Plenty of experience on the bench with 39-year-old Ashley Young and 32-year-old Michael Keane available.
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The xG slightly favoured Brentford, but Everton missed 3 big chances, which doesn’t even count Beto’s first 1v1 opportunity since he wasn’t able to get a shot off. The expected goals on target (xGOT) provides a clearer picture with Everton’s 2.36 to Brentford’s 0.89 and shows Flekken’s immense performance.
Brentford altered their buildup with Damsgaard dropping very deep or into wide areas and Wissa not being incorporated as much. The Bees struggled to progress the ball at times but created chances with their high press and counterpress.
Everton felt the most dangerous with launched long balls to Beto but did put on an impressive display in buildup pulling Brentford out of their shape. Moyes’ tactics pulled Janelt and Yarmoliuk further up the pitch and opened up space for Alcaraz to operate.
