Beesotted contribut
Thomas Frank sent out an unchanged starting XI, sticking with his 3-5-2. Brentford’s backline consisted of Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock, and Nathan Collins. Wingbacks Roerslev and Reguilon looked to stretch the pitch and get forward. Thomas Franks first choice midfield trio, Janelt, Nørgaard, and Jensen had a tough task against a scrappy Wolves side. Maupay and Toney both looked to continue their good run of form and get the Bees a much needed 3 points.
Gary O’Neil deployed his typical 3-4-2-1, with Kilman, Dawson, and Gomes on the backline. Semedo and Nouri the wide players ahead of the backline, and Lemina and Gomes in a double pivot. Sarabia and Cunha looked to provide creativity up from with Neto waiting up top to get on the scoresheet.
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Quick Stats:
Possession: Wolves 71% – 29% Brentford
xG: Wolves 1.05 – 1.94 Brentford
xGOT: Wolves 1.36- 1.95 Brentford
Shots: Wolves 17 – 9 Brentford
Shots on Target: Wolves 5 – 6 Brentford
Clearances: Wolves 9 – 33 Brentford
PPDA: Wolves 5.79 – 15.85 Brentford
Other Brentford stats:
Interceptions: 13
Aerial duels won: 18 (60%)
Summary
Wolves ended with 71% possession, but very little xG to show for it. Brentford did a good job preventing high percentage chances, and rarely let Wolves take advantage of them in transitional moments.
The Bees were able to implement their hybrid pressing system to disrupt Wolves build up. Brentford finally capitalized on this in the second half with Toney’s goal, but Maupay threatened multiple times in the first half from similar tactics.
Brentford won the xG battle and were able to display some clinical finishing to make sure they earned their 3 points. Brentford gained some breathing room now in 14th, with some other fixtures ending in Brentford’s favour.
Sergio Reguilon had another excellent performance for the Bees, ending with an assist and leading the team with 6 tackles. Nathan Collins also stepped up after a shaky performance during the last Premier League match against his former team. Collins led the Bees with 4 interceptions, 10 clearances, and 3 key passes.
Mark Flekken ended with a clean sheet for the first time since the Chelsea match in October. The Bees will need him to continue to perform well as Brentford take on Liverpool Saturday and then Manchester City three days later.