Beesotted contributor Jacob ‘The Gowler’ Gowler (@BeesBreakdown) gives us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s win against West Ham.
Keith Andrews went back to a 4-2-3-1 with Kayode, Collins, van den Berg, and Ajer on the backline. Henderson and Yarmoliuk the defensive midfielders with Damsgaard at the 10 ahead of them. Schade, Thiago, and Ouattara the front three looking to cause havoc against a struggling West Ham side.
New manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, matched up in a 4-2-3-1 with Walker-Peters, Todibo, Kilman, and Scarles on the backline. Irving and Soucek in a double pivot with Fernandes the attacking midfielder. Bowen and Summerville looked to drift in-behind hoping for service from Paqueta who surprisingly started up top.
A very dominate display with Brentford holding more than 50% possession for the first time this season. The Bees created 2.37 xG to West Ham’s 0.35. Somehow Brentford only scored twice with their 22 shots and a close offside call.
West Ham failed to create much going forward, apart from Paqueta’s surprisingly good hold up play. The Hammers won a few long balls to create some dangerous moments in transitional play but typically wasted those chances.
In-possession for the bees, everything went through Yarmoliuk and Henderson, with both these players leading the team in xG BuildUp. Brentford’s double pivot swept up second balls to prevent West Ham from getting on the ball.
Especially in the first half before Nuno switched to 5 at the back, Kayode routinely found success getting forward. West Ham’s very narrow set up allowed Kayode and Ouattara to easily progress the ball and then Kayode completed 4 crosses in the box.
One other statistic that stood out: Ajer won 8 aerial duels.
Ajer’s start at left back confused some, but his aerial presence against long balls proved useful, while he also locked down West Ham with crucial tackles at the back.
