Dominant Brentford came away from a game having whipped 42 shots against submissive opponents, four of which spanking the back of the net. The contest has been described as like watching a cat playing with an injured bird.
In fact, I’d go as far as to say that there has arguably never been a more one-sided match at Griffin Park, with the home side in almost total control throughout. Some would argue that a cricket score should have been expected under the circumstances – others are just delighted to have watched their side register a 4-0 win in the Championship without really having to slip out of second gear.
Blackpool fans, who to their credit came to west London is decent numbers considering their awful situation, walked into the ground knowing they’d be in for a torrid evening, but few would have expected such a humiliation, surely?
Mark Warburton’s team would have been aware their goal difference could/should be boosted against the bottom side and were typically on the front foot from the off, playing their trademark slick football… Patient, intricate, if over elaborate at times – and just as the script suggested – two goals from Jon Toral in quick succession just after the quarter-hour mark, then the sending off of Dunne, which followed a worrying-late tackle on Jota, meant the game was over as a contest. From the on in it was simply a mater of how many would the Bees score?
There was certainly no lack of effort or complacency from the Bees at any stage during this match, but with Blackpool parking the bus, wave after wave of attacks often ended in long distance shots that went wide or were blocked. However, there was no truth in the rumour that oxygen masks dropped from the Ealing Road end roof when Toumani almost scored.
Andre Grey added the third ten minutes into the second period, which was reward for another tireless display, but the home fans had to wait until the final minute to witness battered Blackpool concede a fourth… Jon Toral completing his hat trick with a bundled effort from close range.
The Opta stats from this match are stunning, and although some people in the Beesotted post-match podcast (click link above to listen) argued we weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal, I for one am delighted to have taken six points from the back-to-back home fixtures, and to see the team back to their flowing best. Let’s not look for a negative angle when another three-point haul after an awkward few weeks was all that really mattered on Tuesday evening.
We head to Birmingham City (OBAPRBAS) looking for a third straight win… Come on you Bees!
Dave Lane
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