Brentford fielded a significantly weakened side in the Capital One clash with Oxford, and paid a heavy price, in what turned out to be a gloomy evening at Griffin Park.
Not only were the Bees humbled 4-0, in a game that included a calamitous first quarter of an hour, in which clown-like defending leaked three goals, but the abysmal pitch looks to have claimed its first victim/s… Our record signing, Andreas Bjelland, limped off after appearing to twist on the turf and on first indication he could be out for a while. Nico Yennaris hobbled off too.
I am not for one minute taking anything away from Oxford, or blaming the pitch totally for the defeat, as it was the same for both sides, (we simply didn’t pay them enough respect and the playing surface was not the only substandard factor on the night), but whoever is responsible for not ensuring the quality of the pitch is up to scratch, when so much money has been spent investing in the playing staff, needs to pay a heavy price.
Eight players made their first starts for the club, and the affect was a completely below par and disjointed display. In the opening period it was a case of men against boys, with Oxford seizing the game by the scruff if the neck and humiliating Brentford. Nobody, (subs-aside) apart from perhaps Josh Clark at overlapping right-back, can come out of this game with any sense achievement of any kind if we’re being honest.
Apart from the disastrous team selection and injuries, the clouds of frustration are starting to gather in some quarters, and Tuesday night simply serves to stoke their fire. There are some very interesting thoughts in the Beesotted terrace video (link above) and the post match Pride of West London Podscast (link below).
Two seasons ago Brentford fielded a similarly weakened side and got thumped 5-0 at Derby County, and last year we conceded six at this stage of the Capital One Cup, only to go on and have great seasons, so let’s get things in perspective, but Tuesday’s gloom could, and should, have been avoided.
Dave Lane
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Disrespectful to Oxford , the competition and the supporters .
After allowing the most successful manager the club has ever had to leave and the awful pitch we are now fast becoming a laughing stock .
I travel 65 miles each way to Griffin Park. If they are going to put out a complete second/youth 11, can you let me know before I leave home and part with hard earned cash! And charge us what the cost of watching the Development team costs.
We’re selling too much quality and you can statistically analyse what you like but there is one statistic from tonight. An apology is in order.
There are levels which you should avoid and sinking to this is one of them
I don’t know this season is of some concern just hope last night was just a off day just hope this new regime is not a destiter
A good manager can always turn a debacle like this into a positive for the whole squad.There are now very few League clubs whose players are anything less than professional and motivated so always, always respect is due. Anything less reveals a lack of professionalism.
Spare a though for poor Jack Bonham, who was provided with woefully inadequate protection and thus drawn into a series of awful fluffs making him look much poorer than he really is.
I agree with Dave Lane’s observation that Josh Clarke shone last night in very difficult circumstances. He was given little support by the central defender Bjelland who was one of the principal causes of last night’s under-par performance.
Looking forward to the Bees hammering Bristol City on Saturday.
Steve
There were far too many players out there on Monday who are nowhere near knocking on the first team door. What was the point in playing so many.
When a new manager takes over there is always a period of adjustment. Having said this it is vital Marinus shows good judgement from here. It’s not his fault preparation has been made very difficult by late transfer speculation and activity.
However given the events of last year it’s vital that trust, momentum and an atmosphere where everyone – fans, players and club are pulling together – is built as soon as possible. A win on Tuesday would have been a great help but onto the next one now!
perhaps Barcelona loosing 4_0 to athletic bilbao with an “experimental side” that still included messi & suarez puts this into perspective. hopefully we have learnt from this and we all move on together