Brentford moved back into the automatic promotion places after a well deserved, but hard fought, win over Wigan Athletc – a goal on each half from prolific Neil Maupay capped a fine afternoon for Dean Smith’s side, who once again looked comfortable winners against a decent Latics outfit.

From my perspective, what pleased me as much as the delicious flowing football, was that Brentford rolled up theirs sleeves and battled when they needed to, yes this Bees side is full of tricks and flicks at times, but the class of 2018 can do the hard graft and fights to compete in every area of the pitch too. And I’m so delighted for Neil Maupay, who got dog’s abuse from some last season when he was finding his feet in the country and the Championship. Seven goals and two assists is hugely impressive.

Benrahma, Watkins and Maupay were a real headache to Wigan all afternoon, and with Sawyers, MacLeod and McEchran pulling the strings in the middle of the park, anything other than fifth home win of the season seemed unlikely – the defence looked tight and composed throughout, with Bentley not being really tested in the entire 90 minutes.

Wigan were no pushovers, and made Brentford dig deep at times, but the home side always seemed to have more quality and vision on the ball, and as we say most weeks, the margin of victory could have been far greater – Christian Walton pulled off some blinding saves to keep the Latics in it, with the Bees also squandering several decent opportunities from their 10 shots on target.

Wigan boss, Paul Cook, said after the match; “”I’ve got no complaints about the result at all. Brentford were excellent today, created chances and carved us open. They are the best team we have met this season by far. If there are positives I’d say they are that our keeper was excellent and we don’t have to come here again this season. Having said that, we’ll probably get them in the cup.” 

To listen to what the fans thought after the victory on the Pride of West London Post Match Podcast, please click the link below.

As well as pushing Brentford up to second place, just a point behind Leeds United, the game will be remembered for the red card Sam Morsy was shown just before the hour mark – the follow through of his head to head collision with Yoann Barbet seemed very aggressive and clearly enraged the Bees players – and there are few who will argue the dismissal wasn’t waranted. 

The Bees head to bottom of the table Ipswich on Tuesday evening, then to Frank Lampard’s Derby County next weekend, where they need to mirror the form they are showing at Griffin Park – but fans will travel in confident mood knowing their side are no flash in the pan – the success Brentford have achieved this season is fully deserved and there exciting times ahead. More wins away from home are now essential.

Dave Lane
@beesotted100

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