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Beesotted contributors The Gowler and Paul Kowalczyk (@BeesBreakdown) give us the tactical and statistical lowdown of Brentford’s loss against Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side came out in a 4-3-3, although a fluid formation, shifting to somewhat of a 3-5-2 when in possession. Konaté and van Dijk started as the centrebacks with Robertson and Bradley the fullbacks. Jones, Endo, and Mac Allister were the midfielders, while Diaz, Nunez and Jota made up the front line. Liverpool missed some players due to injury including, Alisson, Thiago, and Alexander-Arnold, but Liverpool’s depth kept a strong bench that consisted of Salah, Gakpo, and Gravenberch.

Thomas Frank’s side only had one change from the last match, with Pinnock picking up an ankle injury. Ajer slid into his role, while Ben Mee and Collins joined him on the backline. Roerslev and Reguilon deployed as the wingbacks again, supporting Jensen, Nørgaard, and Janelt in midfield. Toney and Maupay started up top as the Bees looked to get a result against  top of the league Liverpool.

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Quick Stats:

Possession: Brentford 37% – 63% Liverpool

xG: Brentford 1.69 – 2.82 Liverpool

xGOT: Brentford 1.30- 3.60 Liverpool

Shots: Brentford 15 – 15 Liverpool

Shots on Target: Brentford 6 – 8 Liverpool

Clearances: Brentford 21 – 17 Liverpool

PPDA: Brentford 13.60 – 7.38 Liverpool

Other Brentford stats:

Interceptions: 13

Aerial duels won: 13 (54%)

 

Summary

Brentford started out creating dangerous chances and getting into good areas, but failed to put show composure in the final third. Janelt’s clever movement found pockets of space, but the Bees couldn’t take advantage.

Set plays have been Thomas Frank’s blueprint to beat Big 6 sides in the past, but the Bees didn’t capitalize on freekicks, corners, or long throws, although they created 1.03 xG from set plays.

Brentford performed well in their low block, but struggled in transitional moments. The first goal came from a quick counter, the second after giving away possession in their own half, the third from a long pass, and the fourth from a failed clearance.

The Bees clearly missed Pinnock, who commonly cleans up these dangerous chances or prevents them from happening the first place. Brentford need to clean up their play during transitional moments to limit these chances going forward.