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

Thomas Frank opted for a 3-5-2 with his limited fullback options. Only one change from the starting XI against Nottingham Forest, with Nørgaard returning from injury. Brentford’s backline consisted of Mee, Pinnock, and Collins, joined by wingbacks Lewis-Potter and Roerslev. The usual midfield trio was back with Janelt and Jensen joining captain Nørgaard. The forward duo of Toney and Maupay looked to create havoc against this Spurs side.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side came out in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, although this formation looks very different when in possession. Spurs started Romero and Van de Ven as the centreback pairing, while Porro and Udogie had big roles as the fullbacks. Bentancur played as a defensive midfielder, while Skipp and Maddison got in advanced areas. Kulusevski and Werner aimed to attack the half-space, while Richarlison served as the target man up top.

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Quick Stats:

Possession: Tottenham 68% – 32% Brentford

xG: Tottenham 3.01 – 1.59 Brentford

xGOT: Tottenham 3.00 – 1.89 Brentford

Shots: Tottenham 19 – 9 Brentford

Shots on Target: Tottenham 5 – 5 Brentford

Clearances: Tottenham 29 – 23 Brentford

PPDA: Tottenham 5.43 – 9.45 Brentford

Other Brentford stats:

Interceptions: 17

Aerial duels won: 20 (69%)

Summary

Brentford ended with more goals than xG for the 5th time this season, but gave up the most xGA on the season. Brentford played a decent first half and gave Tottenham trouble with their hybrid pressing. Then Tottenham made some substitutions and adjustments in the second half to get more numbers into the box. Apart from 10 minutes, Brentford played well, but switching off for those 10 minutes costs the Bees at least a point.

Brentford took advantage of Tottenham’s high line and unorganized defence after losing possession. The Bees had a few quick counter attacks before scoring the opening goal after a Spurs giveaway.

Tottenham’s second half adjustments took advantage of Brentford in transitional moments. Spurs used Udogie to dribble into space after outplaying Brentford’s midfielders with simple passes.

Brentford recorded 18 passes blocked against Spurs, which was Brentford’s highest amount so far this season. Nørgaard ended with 7 interceptions, and for reference, Brentford have had 7 or fewer interceptions in 7 Premier League matches this season. Nørgaard also ended with 11 ball recoveries

Toney racked up 1.08 xG alone, while Dasilva recorded 0.2 xA in his limited cameo. Brentford hope to continue to get players back from injury, but the Bees have a tough task on Monday with Manchester City coming to the Gtech.