Multiple examples of defensive efforts come to mind, such as Thiago chasing down Tavernier in Brentford’s own third to win back possession. Schade’s pace also helped disrupt counters and cover up mistakes.
A forgettable attacking display, with Brentford seemingly running out of steam on two days rest, but an intense defensive effort led to a hard-fought point.
Bournemouth routinely targeted Tavernier running into the half-space between Kayode and van den Berg. A difficult task for Kayode to defend, holding the backline while still tracking those runs. Tavernier racked up 1.37 xG alone but Brentford escaped without conceding.
𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵
Keith reverted to the tactics that worked last match vs Bournemouth. Collins sent lofted long balls for Thiago to bring down and spring an attack. Brentford wanted to bypass the press, and found success doing so, but struggled to connect in the final third
With Yarmoliuk in the backline, Brentford recycled possession back to Valdimarsson to pull Burnley out of their shell. Yarmoliuk moving to the backline opened space for Jensen to receive a pass. These sequences provided space to attack and kept Burnley out of a compact low block.
𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘆
Brentford routinely found success bypassing Burnley’s press. This forced them to drop into a midblock with Burnley’s front two blocking the passing lanes to Brentford’s defensive midfielders. Yarmoliuk or Jensen then dropped into the backline to help in buildup.
Brighton continued to find Mitoma by switching play. This time, the backline dropped deeper. Gross helped open this up by sliding into the half-space near Henderson but then drifting centrally. This forced Henderson farther back, which gave Kadioglu time and space for a long shot
Brighton then quickly switched play to stretch Brentford’s width and open up space. This required Henderson and Janelt to cover lots of ground.
𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗼𝗻
Brentford matched up with Brighton trying to overload the wing. Notice Henderson and Janelt sliding over to help.
Brighton, Burnley, and Bournemouth Tactical Breakdowns 🧵
👇
Bournemouth 1.99 xG (0) - (0) 0.40 xG Brentford
The telling stat: Bournemouth 0.44 xGOT - 0.22 xGOT Brentford
Bournemouth keep splitting Kayode and van den Berg with dangerous diagonal passes to Tavernier. Hard for Kayode to defend those runs.
#BOUBRE #BrentfordFC
Bournemouth creating chances from their short corners. Initial backwards pass to draw Brentford's backline forward. Then a well timed cross allowing Bournemouth to attack the space created.
#BOUBRE #BrentfordFC
Rico Henry with an apparent hamstring injury. Ajer to come on.
So much for managing Ajer's minutes.
#BOUBRE #BrentfordFC
Keith Andrews going straight back to the tactics that worked last match against Bournemouth. Sending long balls to Thiago to bring down and then send passes in-behind. Expect him to continue to drop deeper to get on the ball and try to find Schade or Ouattara.
#BOUBRE #BrentfordFC
Burnley 0.97 xG (3) - (4)- 1.94 xG Brentford
Burnley 1.28 xGOT - 2.59 xGOT Brentford
#BURBRE #BrentfordFC
Damsgaard slips it past Dubravka. Perfect placement.
3-4 Brentford.
#BURBRE #BrentfordFC
Brentford can't stop scoring.
This time it's a Kayode own goal.
1-3 at the half.
#BURBRE #BrentfordFC
Bees routinely overloading the left wing. Burnley still not sending an extra man to match up.
#BURBRE #BrentfordFC
Burnley dropping into a 4-2-4 midblock, but Brentford doing well to pull them out of that more compact shape. Clever movement from Jensen and Yarmoliuk to open things up.
Damsgaard's header finds the back of the net.
Ouattara's corner found Damsgaard wide open with decoy runs to the front post.
#BURBRE #BrentfordFC
Brentford working to build out of the back. Yarmoliuk did well to retain possession in a tight area. That's twice now the Bees have gotten Damsgaard the ball in space.
#BURBRE #BrentfordFC
Adjustments needed at the half.
Keith chose a more aggressive high press, but doubt he expected Brighton to go this direct.
Even in Brentford's midblock the CBs are being asked to press on progressive passes and are easily getting pinned high up the pitch. Allows for easy balls over the top.
Immediate error from Collins first touch. Gifts a goal to Welbeck.
#BREBHA #BrentfordFC
Hickey forced off here after Mitoma escapes without a yellow.
Collins to come on, which probably means Ajer moves to right back.
#BREBHA #BrentfordFC
Brighton have been stretching Brentford's width to open up those shots from distance. Brentford fell asleep after the long shot hit the woodwork. Brighton take the lead.
#BREBHA #BrentfordFC
Mentioned on Beyond the Breakdown that Thiago does just enough on those long balls to allow Brentford to gain an advantage. Jensen has already cleaned up one second ball and this time Thiago let the ball bounce so Ouattara could get on the end of it.
#BREBHA #BrentfordFC
Brighton sending it long to bypass Brentford's press. Bees dropping in and letting their centrebacks have plenty of time on the ball.
#BREBHA #BrentfordFC
KLP on the left and Ouattara on the right, but Ouattara again given less defensive responsibility. Ouattara forming a front 2 with Thiago, while KLP back defending Madueke's runs into the half-space.
#BREARS #BrentfordFC
Brentford win at St. James' Park.
#NEWBRE #BrentfordFC
