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Beesotted contributor The Gowler (@BeesBreakdown) gives us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s loss against Tottenham. 

Thomas Frank deployed a 3-5-2 to face Tottenham’s heavy possession-based side. Lewis-Potter and Ajer kept their spots as wingbacks, as Collins, Pinnock, and van den Berg formed the back three. A new look in midfield saw Yarmolyuk get the start with Nørgaard and Jensen absent due to injury. Janelt and Damsgaard joined in midfield, while Mbeumo and Carvalho started up top. Carvalho had big boots to fill with Wissa sidelined for a month or two.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side came out in a 4-3-3 with Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, and Udogie on the backline. Kulusevski, Bentancur and Madison made up the midfield trio, while Johnson, Solanke, and Son started up top.

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Summary

Coming into this match, Spurs led the Premier League with the highest average possession, but the Bees held more possession than Tottenham. Still, Brentford only recorded 0.80 xG while Spurs ended with 3.52, highlighting the massive difference in chances for each side.

Brentford opted to continue building out of the back style, seen against Manchester City, but did not properly execute this time around. This led to a few giveaways in Brentford’s own third that Tottenham pounced on.

The Bees played right into Tottenham’s trap with their high intensity pressing and Brentford failed to adjust. When Carvalho came back to help progress the ball, the Bees found success, but he lacked consistency in providing those opportunities.

Tottenham ended with 17 interceptions, while Brentford came into this match only allowing 6.5 average interceptions. Credit to Tottenham’s press, but a few individual errors for the Bees gifted Spurs some chances.

Looking forward, Brentford will have to find a way to progress the ball without Wissa dropping in or Thiago an outlet up top for long balls. Carvalho has the talent to drop in, but needs to regularly be the extra man in midfield to create a numbers advantage going forward.