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

Brentford set up in their 3-5-2, with Zanka, Pinnock and Mee as the back 3 while Pontus still working his way back from injury. Roerslev and Henry started as the wingbacks with Ajer and Hickey still injured and hoping to return in January. No surprise to have Jensen, Janelt, and Nørgaard starting. Baptiste and Onyeka also missing from the matchday squad gave Thomas Frank less options off the bench.

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Quick Stats:

Possession: Brentford 39% – 61% Tottenham

xG: Brentford 2.0 – 1.1 Tottenham

Big Chances: Brentford 3 – 0 Tottenham

Other Brentford stats:

Total Shots: 9

Interceptions: 9

Tackles won: 4 (25%)

Aerial duels won: 14 (33%)

 

Summary

Thomas Frank utilized his usual tactics we’ve seen in the past, which gave Tottenham fits in the first half. Brentford pressed high and disrupted Tottenham’s midfield. Nørgaard’s return was much needed as he cleaned up most mistakes in the center of the pitch. The ball felt glued to his boots and Kane had difficulty receiving the ball.

For most of the first half it was all Brentford. The Bees looked to capitalize on set plays. Throw-ins, corner kicks, and free kicks all provided dangerous chances. The Bees high press helped Tottenham give away possession, while Brentford quickly countered. Forcing Tottenham to play goal kicks long, gave the Bees more chances to win the ball back.

Brentford settled in to their compact defensive shape as Tottenham would progress the ball. Brentford’s midfield trio tried to stay centrally, but Spurs wanted to pull them out wide. Tottenham worked to get the ball centrally and then work it back out wide, while pulling Jensen or Janelt with them. Once Brentford’s midfielders were out wide, Tottenham would load up the box and whip in a cross.

The Bees looked to beat a top 4 team, but tired legs and lack of depth helped Tottenham get back in the match. Jensen was substituted for Ghoddos in the 67th minute which  isn’t Thomas Frank’s usual choice. Nørgaard was also subbed off in the 82nd minute, but Janelt was able to fill his role well enough. Dasilva provided some threat going forward, but in the end the Bees couldn’t score a winner.

Tottenham capitalized on their few chances and how the match played out will make it feel like a disappointing draw for Bees fans. Still, this is a good result against a top side.