As Brentford prepare for Aston Villa’s visit this weekend, Keith Andrews finds himself under early pressure ahead of his first home Premier League game in charge. Last weekend’s defeat at Nottingham Forest left many fans frustrated – not just by the result, but by the risks Andrews took in his team selection and approach.
Yes, there were mitigating circumstances. Several key players weren’t fully fit. Player of the Season, Mikkel Damsgaard, had to withdraw late, throwing plans into disarray. Wissa is currently still on strike – although Sky are hinting he may be in contention against Villa which is unlikely surely – and others were clearly played out of position just to fill gaps. That’s not an ideal platform for any manager trying to steady the ship.
But despite those issues, Andrews made bold choices – and they didn’t pay off. He went for it, took too many gambles, and in doing so, left the team vulnerable. If those decisions had worked, we’d be calling him a tactical genius. Instead, Brentford looked disjointed and exposed.
What’s clear is that the team we saw at the City Ground was his side. There were no signs of interference from above. The powers that be let him pick his team, his way. And with that comes responsibility. Now, he has to live and die by those decisions.
Brentford aren’t like Leeds or Sunderland – sides that came up with momentum, identity, and a bit of bounce. We’re in a very different place right now. No real form, no clear rhythm. Some might even call it turmoil. But that’s why it’s time for the squad’s underlying quality to show through – and for Andrews to set them up to succeed.
There is talent here. Enough to win games. Enough to stay up easily. Maybe even enough to match last season. But it needs the right formation, the right shape, and the right mentality from several key players. Above all, it needs caution and control right now. Stop the bleeding first. Don’t lose the game before trying to win it.. we need points on the board first and foremost before we can evolve and kick on. Beesotted spoke about their own team selections on this week’s podcast and this article underlines the fact that there are options for the new Head Coach.
Villa won’t be forgiving if we get it wrong again. For Andrews and his team, this weekend is a chance to respond – to show that he can learn from the Forest setback and lead with clarity. Because if he doesn’t, that ticking clock in the stands will only grow louder. But, for the moment, we must all get behind the team before kick-off and during the match. Come On You Bees!
Dave Lane
