Spread the love

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

Thomas Frank made two minor tweaks to the starting XI that faced Arsenal. The Bees shifted into a 4-3-3 with Yarmolyuk and Janelt rotating to the bench for Schade and Jensen. Brentford’s backline consisted of Lewis-Potter, van den Berg, Collins, and Roerslev. The midfield trio saw Nørgaard and Jensen with Damsgaard in more of a free role in-possession. Thomas Frank also returned to his front three of Schade, Wissa, and Mbeumo.

Ivan Juric stuck with a 3-4-2-1 to face the Bees. Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, and Nathan Wood the back three with Bree and Walker-Peters the wingbacks. Ugochukwu and Aribo in a double pivot, with Dibling and Sulemana ahead of them. Onuachu led the line up front with his size potentially allowing for his hold up play to create some opportunities.

6th Minute

9th Minute

15th Minute

26th Minute

41st Minute

49th Minute

62nd Minute

67th Minute

92nd Minute

94th Minute

Brentford ended with 4.46 xG to Southampton’s 0.29 xG. The biggest xG differential of the season for Brentford, being the most xG recorded and the lowest xGA allowed. The Bees dominated from the start of the match, and Southampton never truly threatened the Brentford backline.

Thomas Frank attempted to bait Southampton into pressing higher up the pitch, but the Saints reluctantly pressed, which allowed Flekken to distribute under little pressure. Brentford created chances going forward from building out of the back, but also troubled Southampton with their high press.

The Saints ended with 5 errors, the most they’ve had in a match this season. This match up played directly into Brentford’s strengths with Southampton struggling against a high press and giving the Bees opportunities to counter. Brentford showcased a variety of ways they can threaten opposing teams and easily could’ve scored even more goals, ending with 6 big chances missed.