Beesotted contributor Jacob ‘The Gowler’ Gowler (@BeesBreakdown) gives us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s loss against Sunderland.
Keith Andrews deployed what seems to be his preferred starting XI, with Lewis-Potter, Collins, van den Berg, and Kayode at the back. Yarmoliuk and Henderson formed a double pivot to provide support for Damsgaard roaming ahead of them. Schade and Outarra started on the wing with Thiago up top.
After a busy summer in the transfer window, Regis Le Bris sent out his 4-3-3 with Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, and Reinildo on the backline. Diarra, Xhaka, and Sadiki started in midfield with Tabli, Mayenda, and Le Fee leading the line up front.
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Sunderland held more possession and ended with more xG, although outside of penalties and set plays, both sides rarely created many chances from open play. Sunderland had 0.36 xG from open play while Brentford only had 0.28.
Le Bris cleverly dealt with Brentford’s high press by launching it long early and forcing Brentford to abandon their man marking system. For the first time this season, the Bees recorded 0 tackles in the attacking third, which only happened against two teams last season.
Sunderland’s press disrupted Brentford’s midfield and prevented Yarmoliuk and Henderson from getting on the ball. Diarra and Sadiki’s workrate made it difficult for Brentford to hold possession in the first half.
Keith Andrews responded with a second half adjustment to drop his defensive midfielders deep and out wide to get on the ball. This helped progress the ball and sent the fullbacks forward to pin Sunderland further back. A noticeable difference from the first half with the Bees holding 37% possession in the first half and 58% possession in the second.
The increase in possession led to Brentford’s goal, with the Bees forcing Sunderland further back, but a penalty allowed Sunderland back in the match. A late winner came off a transitional moment with Brentford not in their shape.
