Brentford are exceeding expectations in the Premier League this season.
The Bees were gutted over the summer as they lost Thomas Frank and his coaching staff to Tottenham. Star forwards Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo left for Newcastle and Manchester United, respectively. Midfielder Christian Norgaard moved across the capital to Arsenal. Mark Flekken also left the club. Keith Andrews was named Frank’s successor, and few gave them a chance of staying up.
In this article, we’ll cover:
And yet, after nine games, Brentford sit 11th, just two points behind defending champions Liverpool. On Saturday, they beat the Reds 3-2 on home turf, a result that means they’ve won three of their last four. Andrews has worked wonders to get the Bees flying in the opening months in charge.
Brentford sitting deeper
There’s been a slight change in style from Andrews to Frank. The possession average has dropped from 47.7% to 40.1%. Given the departure of two key strikers and an overhaul of the touchline staff, that’s hardly a shock. The Bees, though, use the low-block to their advantage.
Only Bournemouth (5) have scored more counter-attacking goals than Brentford (4) in the Premier League this season. They soak up pressure well and hit teams quickly on the break. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that they play the highest proportion of passes forward (37.8%) in England’s top tier this term.
Nor should it be a surprise that they rank second for shots following a counter attack (10) in the division. Andrews has his side well drilled at the back and they are then able to spring forward at speed. The Bees lull their opponents into a false sense of security before they fly forward to punish teams.
The average positions of the Brentford team shows a team that remains compact in the middle of the park. The deeper lying central midfielders sit just in front of the centre-backs that means they are tough to break down. Meanwhile, the full-backs then push on to support the wingers. Having a brute of a striker in Igor Thiago also helps the Bees.
Willing to make tireless runs into the channels, the Brazilian is a handy outlet for Brentford. He holds up play well, meaning teammates can readily support Thiago where possible. That the 24-year-old is also prepared to put in the hard graft also benefits the Bees. Indeed, Thiago has made as many tackles and he has had shots on target (12) in the Premier League this season.
Long throws and set-pieces
Then, of course, there’s the use of the long throw to hurt opponents. The long throw has made a comeback this season. Frank has his Tottenham side launching the ball into the box to wreak havoc. A number of the Premier League’s big hitters have also adopted a similar approach.
None, though, are as effective as Brentford. On Saturday, they scored their eighth goal from throw-ins since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League side. Michael Kayode in particularly is an asset for Andrews that he maximises to full effect. The right-back picks out the biggest Brentford player in the box, and it causes chaos. It was this route to goal that saw the Bees make the breakthrough on Saturday.
Unsurprisingly, it means Brentford rank joint-second for chances created from set-pieces (15) and fifth for big chances created (17). No Mbeumo, No Wissa; No Problem. “You have to play to the players’ attributes and strengths, which I am a big fan of,” Andrews said back in August. That they are maximising set-pieces shouldn’t come as a shock. Andrews, after all, joined Brentford as set-piece coach in 2024.
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Brentford aren’t the flashiest side in the Premier League. They are, though, becoming one of the most awkward teams to face. The Bees are far from the finished product. Andrews’ side have conceded 14 league goals this season and are giving up 13.2 shots per 90, the fourth most.
However, there is a solid core to work with, this despite the aforementioned departures. Jordan Henderson has proven an unheralded addition to the squad. His experience has been key alongside 21-year-old Yehor Yarmolyuk. Captain Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg have forged a solid centre-back partnership. Kaoyde is the long-throw expert while Thiago is the perfect outlet on the frontline in the favoured 4-2-3-1 setup.
After nine games, there is a clear and obvious gameplan in place as Andrews utilises the players at his disposal to full effect. There have been teething issues but Brentford are exceeding expectations in England’s top tier.