Beesotted contributor The Gowler (@BeesBreakdown) gives us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s win against Ipswich Town.
Thomas Frank’s starting XI featured two changes, with Wissa replacing Kevin Schade and Roerslev coming in for the injured Ajer. Collins, Pinnock, and van den Berg joined Roerslev at the back. The unchanged midfield trio featured Janelt and Nørgaard with Damsgaard in an advanced role. Mbeumo and Lewis-Potter joined Wissa up top.
Kieran McKenna’s 4-2-3-1 featured Davis, Burgess, O’Shea, and Clarke at the back. Brentford transfer target, Jens-Lys Cajuste, formed the double pivot with Kalvin Phillips. Captain Conor Chaplin started at the number 10 position, while Szmodics and Ogbene the wingers. George Hirst got his first Premier League start at striker with his newly promoted side.
1st Minute
2nd Minute
6th Minute
10th Minute
28th Minute
31st Minute
43rd Minute
45 + 1
45 + 4
54th Minute
69th Minute
86th Minute
90 + 6
The Bees ended with 4.11 xG to Ipswich’s 1.30 xG. Brentford have now recorded the 4th and 5th highest xG in the Premier League. So far this season, Brentford have the 5th most expected goals but have allowed the 5th most expected goals against.
Ipswich were able to take advantage of Brentford’s hybrid pressing, by finding the space between the lines and then quickly progressing the ball to take advantage of the space in-behind. Quick vertical passes bypassing Brentford’s midfield routinely found the Bees out of position.
Brentford struggled against Kieran McKenna’s 4-2-4 press, with Chaplin playing a crucial role and not allowing Janelt or Nørgaard to get on the ball. At times, Damsgaard dropped centrally to help create a numerical advantage and easily progress the ball.
In the future, the Bees will need to vary some things in buildup to either be a little more direct and take advantage of the space left in-behind from the high line in a 4-2-4 press or move players positionally to find space in the centre of the pitch.
KLP has attempted 26 take-ons this season, the most for Brentford, and although he’s only been successful 34.6% of the time, there are examples where his counterpressing is actually causing opposing sides more trouble when he ends up winning back possession.
