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

Thomas Frank made one change to the starting XI that faced West Ham, with Ethan Pinnock replacing the injured Sepp van den Berg. The Bees lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, and Lewis-Potter on the backline. Nørgaard and Janelt formed the double pivot as Damsgaard took up an advanced role ahead of them. Brentford’s front three of Schade, Wissa, and Mbeumo looked to continue their impressive Premier League seasons.

Leicester matched up in a 4-2-3-1 with Coulibaly, Okoli, Faes, and Kristiansen on the backline. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s defensive midfielders, Ndidi and Soumaré joined El Khannouss roaming forward. Reid and Ayew the wingers supported Vardy up front. Rudd kept Buonanotte on the bench even with his impressive performances this season.

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Thomas Frank’s side won their fourth consecutive away match in dominant fashion. The Bees ended with 1.52 xG, but more impressively, made the most of their chances with their 2.43 expected Goals on Target.

Apart from an early Leicester counterattack, Brentford controlled the match from start to finish. In-possession, Brentford easily progressed the ball against Leicester’s loose zonal press.

Brentford put on a brilliant passing display, looking seamless is all phases of buildup. This display provided another glimpse into Brentford’s tactical evolution and the blueprint Thomas Frank has for this squad.

Out-of-possession the Bees continued utilizing some previously seen tactics, such as Nørgaard and Janelt preventing runs in-behind into the half-space. Leicester generally failed to threaten Brentford other than a counterattack early in the match.  Thomas Frank’s balance between rest defence and getting numbers forward continues to be impressive to watch.