The Bees were forced to share the spoils with Burton Albion in a frustrating evening at Griffin Park, a game in which the whole team struggled against the Brewers’ parked bus mentality, which was a big disappointment after the defeat at Cardiff on Saturday.
All Bees fans were expecting the reds to bounce back with a win – Burton have struggled again this season, and on recent showings, the Bees should have had what it took to add another win to their tally. But it wasn’t to be.
Brentford started unchanged, but despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, and being on the front foot almost throughout, it was a struggle to watch at times – with several key players falling short of what was expected – and the trademark long ball defensive frailties ultimately costing us points again.
There were a few boos at half time, but a piece of magic from Florian Jozefzoon on 54 minutes that saw his 25 yard free kick curl deliciously into the top corner, looked to be enough… but it wasn’t to be.
Despite looking the better team, even below par, one goal was a fragile lead – and the long punt into the box that found the head of Ben Turner underlined that fact… Dan Bentley looked to be caught in two minds and the small band of Burton fans behind the goal had something to celebrate.
Burton sensed a real upset after the goal and become more adventurous, thankfully, the evening didn’t get any worse… and as you will hear in the Beesotted Pride of West London Post Match Podcast, there were some frustrated fans traipsing out of Griffin Park at the final whistle.
Dean Smith admitted after the game that he should have missed things up after defeat at Cardiff, and some were questioning his decision to replace both Ryan Woods and Nico Yenaris early in the second half, with Romain Sawyers looking ineffective, so I think we’ll see things shaken up for the visit to Queens Park Rangers next Monday night.
Tuesday was certainly the poorest performance of the season so far and it really was a wasted opportunity to make further strides up the league.
Dave Lane
@beesotted100
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The team put a tremendous effort in at Cardiff, but were outwitted by canny tactics.
The deflation was evident in the Burton game, but I think it also revealed Smith’s limitations, again, in the tactical game.
Everyone and the cat, knew Burton would park the bus, but no way past?
Surely a canny manager, no sorry, head coach, would have plotted a way to unlock the defence.
Fulham showed TREMENDOUS courage and skill, to beat The Blades in their lair
I repeat my previous prognosis; Smith is not a promotion manager, pardon me, head coach.