Bees 2 - Muff 1 (Dalsgaard, Fosu)

[Mr Cynical]

BUZZING! Fantastic game between two sides who will surely be up there come the end of the season. Really difficult start as Bournemouth came at us from the off, pressing high and pinging the ball around our rather shell-shocked defence. We looked totally static and couldn't get out of our half. They carved out two fantastic chances, with Pontus saving the day with a fantastic goal line clearance and Henry and Raya somehow combining to keep the ball out again. We were looking like we were on the ropes, Jansson, Pinnock and Janelt didn't know which way to turn and it was looking like we would get blown away early on.. Thankfully we hung on in there and gradually Janelt found his feet and we started to get hold of the ball. We started to get the ball out to Canos, Jensen, Mbeumo and DaSilva and all of a sudden it was us pinning them back. Jensen finding space and pinging the ball about the pitch. We were getting in behind them with ease but just as you thought the tide had turned, Muff went ahead. Again it was fantastic quick passing in and around the box and a lovely ball in behind which Pontus missed, Raya hesitated to come for and Solanke (who'd been on fire) slotted it in. Past teams would have crumbled at this point, but not this lot. We pushed on and gradually took control. The equaliser finally came with a delicious corner from Jensen which Dalsgaard powerfully headed into the net. The game was being played at a cracking pace and was end to end so slightly relieved when we went in at HT 1-1 though we could just as easily have been in front.

Second half, Bournemouth tweaked their tactics a bit trying to match us up in and that had the result of slowing the game down slightly. We were the better team for much of the first 15/20 and Sergi was causing them all sorts of problems down their right, although his radar was unfortunately way off this eve! He eventually came off for Fosu and Bournemouth started to take control a bit. We were beginning to look a bit leggy. Josh was struggling a bit and not quite his normal self and we started to sit deep and invite them on. However, the expected old Brentford finale was not to be. Toney, I think, fed Mbeumo and with 2 or 3 players on him he looked to go on his left and then switched back onto his right and stood up the most perfect ball to the far post where Fosu was waiting patiently to nod in for the winner.. Josh went off soon after but we looked more than comfortable in the last 10 and probably should have got a third, both Jensen and Ghoddos forcing good saves from the Muff Keeper (couldn't resist that one!)..

Fantastic win and well deserved in the end. This team has a resilience I haven't seen for a long time and some quality to boot. Bournemouth were an excellent side but after that first 10 mins or so we were the better side for most of the game. Have to say, the squad we have, and the way it's being managed is absolutely superb. We all have our favourites and players we're not so keen on. Some things some players do or don't do we don't like so much. BUT there are no weak links here. They're all putting in a shift for the cause. On Sat, Jensen and Mbeumo weren't quite at it so Canos and Marcondes stepped up. Today, Josh wasn't quite at his best and whilst he played well it wasn't quite happening for Canos. Step up Jensen, Mbeumo and then Fosu at the death to provide the finish.. On Sat we'll prob need Fosu, Marcondes, Sorenson and Ghoddos at some point and I have absolute faith they'll come good. What a time to be a bees fan..

Oh, MOM, Jensen, absolutely sublime passing. That's what he can do, if we can get him on the ball in good positions. Janelt, again, immense after a tough start, and Mbeumo, back to his best again. Wasn't the best day for Toney today, got a bit frustrated but still worked his arse off and the back four after a difficult first 15 proved as solid as ever. Henry this time showing his quality defending rather than his attacking side.

Bring on the Brizzle!! (and then some North London mob.... )

 

[Cham]

Impressive comeback win against a side brimming with Prem quality. Toney again showed his versatility by holding the ball and putting other games in. Our winner came from this. Jensen absolute class.. his best performances always come against sides that give him space. Very happy tonight.

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

Very very good. Mr C summed it up perfectly. This is the type of game you need to win in order to go up.

 

[cliffbee]

Undoubtedly biggest game of season so far. Looks likely top two will be between us. BMuff and Norwich so could be vital come May. Did we deserve it? Just about, though in truth could have gone either way. We're showing real resilience now with comebacks against Watford, Cardiff and today. Barring serious and widespread injuries really can't see us losing more than a handful of games in rest of the sea

 

[stuhughes]

The latest Bees Bulletin is up - enjoy...and Happy New Year! Brentford V Bournemouth | Bees Bulletin

 

[martinlofnes]

I’m now properly excited. It’s not only are we winning more games now and second in the league. You can visibly see the team understanding how they play together, not quite the beauty of last year but really effective. Also, in the 6 weeks, we‘ve had a few players (Janelt, Fosu, Mads Bech) who have really stepped up and shown that we can rely on them as proper squad players and a few more who have really rediscovered their form e.g. Sergi, JDS and even Bryan. All in all, it feels great at the moment, hope the momentum can continue

 

[BS7Bee]

I’m now properly excited. It’s not only are we winning more games now and second in the league. You can visibly see the team understanding how they play together, not quite the beauty of last year but really effective. Also, in the 6 weeks, we‘ve had a few players (Janelt, Fosu, Mads Bech) who have really stepped up and shown that we can rely on them as proper squad players and a few more who have really rediscovered their form e.g. Sergi, JDS and even Bryan. All in all, it feels great at the moment, hope the momentum can continue

Absolutely. I'd forgotten that Fosu came to us in the January window. Janelt was immense today, again. Isn't it great to think that these two would be considered for the bench in a fully fit squad?

 

[martinlofnes]

Absolutely. I'd forgotten that Fosu came to us in the January window. Janelt was immense today, again. Isn't it great to think that these two would be considered for the bench in a fully fit squad?

Exactly that and if they are coming on, we’d all feel good about it knowing they will do a job

 

[Untouchable]

??

 

[Herbert]

Incredible to be sitting in 2nd place of the championship & our first ever semi final going in to 2021.

Tonight was a superb game against a muff side who were a lot better than I expected them to be, especially that opening 15 minutes, they could have been a couple up but desire kept us in it at that point.
Once we got a grip the rest of the half was a quality non stop end to end game, which I think we created the better chances, Bogovich pulling off some good saves.
2nd half, was still a good game which we were the better team.
We deserved a win but a draw would have been good too.
Jensen probably had his best game for us, his passing was quality, his delivery for the equaliser was diamond.
Mbuemos skill for the winner was superb and the cross with his right foot.
Jansons opening minute goal line clearance, the Henry & Raya joint effort to clear the second.
Bringing Fosu on I thought theyd taken Off one of our major threats in Canos.
Everyone was up for And on it tonight.
A proud night and time

 

[Mick.C]

Brentford proved tonight not only can they mix with the top 3 they can put them on their seat of their pants and send them home pointless, exhausted and scratching their heads. If wins were worth a bonus point this was it.

Bournemouth like Norwich and Watford view the Championship as time to look for their lost membership down the back of their money stuffed settee and find their golden ticket back to the Premier league but tonight like Meerkats the Cherries have given a concerned look as Brentford passed through them and past them in to 2nd place.

Bmuff started 10 days refreshed and out of the blocks better than any before at the Community Stadium.
Solanke slipped through the gap between Pinnock and Rico and Raya slowed the flow of the impending 1 nil early strike but Pontus scything sweep ended with ball kept out and our goal intact as our Captain took one for the team and ended up in the net like a North Sea fisherman.

It was thrust and counter thrust like two swordsman in a duel. Jensen and Da Silva watching bystanders for the first 10 as Lerma and Billing hustled past them. But Jensen was in the mood like an understudy for Zorro with his gaffer tape looking mask he pulled the strings and buzzed and floated and whipped and played with an intelligence that fits this Brentford identity.

A whistled in corner met Henrik leaping like a salmon to thud one past Bergovic’s nostril. The smell of success for Frank and our set piece coach. 1-1 and we had drawn level to make Bournemouth frown.

it was a high octane intoxicating pass and move contest. This was like football for purists and the Premier League looked on in envy as we served up a better feast than anything seen over the festive period as a spectacle.

Second half we dug in Rico in the trenches with Pontus Ethan and Henrik doing what they love - defending.

Janelt was a beast again, a magical signing and in truth Vitaly is a very important member of this team now.

Tindall blinked first and went with King to complement Solanke and Surridge too and if he had a kitchen sink on the bench would have thrown that on as well. Brave to go win the game or folly to reveal his hand early.

Thomas trumped Tindall by taking off Canos who was lively enthuastic but radar was off key and on trotted Fosu, our lucky charm. Mbeumo who was scintillating went to measure a curl cut in on the left with a Cyruff flick from left to weaker right caught Bmuff with their draws down and the cross was sublime over the snarling chippy shorty Smith and on to Tariqs pate.

2-1 and we had hustled and squashed the Cherries. We saw the game out and Bournemouth and Tindall left the party with a good game Brucie endorsement from the excellent Aussie ref but no points or prizes.

Frank has had a Top Top month his team have raised the levels to optimum max. 15 in the league and 16 overall unbeaten this team is ballsy and full of character.

We may not have the sprinkle of stardust now Benrahma has gone across town but this team has something we didn’t have last season. Steel. Two victories in Christmas week coming from behind sorts the wheat from the chaff and today Brentford bounced into the Top 2.

2020 was the year that got away from us all but 2021 with the vaccine and up getting into the Promotion places gives hope that the New Year may be the best year many of us had in many.

Happy New Year to all Bees our team is a good one a premier league side in waiting and the rest of the Championship are looking at us with a bit of envy. Frank is leading us full steam ahead up the promotion hill again but whisper it quietly we look better equipped this time round.

 

[upnorthbee]

What an enjoyable game of football.

Great result
Two great teams
Great ref
awful pitch

We may have lost that game last season 4-3 or something, the team this season is made of something different. We’ve lost our X factor but have gained some balls.

 

[Untouchable]

 

[Nada Bee]

Absolutely huge result and performance yesterday. We will not face a better attacking team than Bournemouth this season.

Solanke £19m - Brooks £10m (who I think is absolute class) - Stanislas experienced premier player and Josh King came on!

Lerma was top quality too.

And we WON!

not only did we win, from minutes 16-90 we were the better team.

exciting times - we actually moved up into second.

roll on Saturday and let’s consolidate.

 

[belvederebee]

Both Harris and Tindall went on and on about their teams defensive lapses. I suppose, in a perfect world, any goal results from an error, but don’t they ever give credit where due?

 

[nick logan]

Absolutely huge result and performance yesterday. We will not face a better attacking team than Bournemouth this season.

Solanke £19m - Brooks £10m (who I think is absolute class) - Stanislas experienced premier player and Josh King came on!

Lerma was top quality too.

And we WON!

not only did we win, from minutes 16-90 we were the better team.

exciting times - we actually moved up into second.

roll on Saturday and let’s consolidate.

Lerma 25 mill ? very good though

 

[Kingston Bee]

Both Harris and Tindall went on and on about their teams defensive lapses. I suppose, in a perfect world, any goal results from an error, but don’t they ever give credit where due?

Thomas mentioned on the after match interview about staying humble, this is now a big part of our make up. Thomas is not afraid to give credit to the opposition where its deserved, why not? Not sure if this is part of the no dick heads policy or that we just have a nice group of people at the club. If that makes us different then so be it, part of our make up now.

 

[Nada Bee]

Lerma 25 mill ? very good though

yeah he was.

 

[Mr Cynical]

Thomas mentioned on the after match interview about staying humble, this is now a big part of our make up. Thomas is not afraid to give credit to the opposition where its deserved, why not? Not sure if this is part of the no dick heads policy or that we just have a nice group of people at the club. If that makes us different then so be it, part of our make up now.

I think this comes from the Leeds home game and the run in last season where perhaps we came across as a bit cocky and in particular in the Leeds home game it seemed to fire up the opposition team. Frank has been very careful to be as complimentary about the opposition before and after as possible. This is clearly a deliberate move.

 

[martinlofnes]

Both Harris and Tindall went on and on about their teams defensive lapses. I suppose, in a perfect world, any goal results from an error, but don’t they ever give credit where due?

I agree. Thomas was humble and rightly praised their team. They didn’t have a good word to say about us. Oh well ?

 

[YorkBee]

It looks like Mbueno did get a right foot from Santa over Christmas, that cross for Tariq was the dogs doodahs. Also as a side note can we have this ref every week please?

 

[grepo]

Well played all the Bees and well done especially to Tariq, our 'Black Star' international, with the winning goal.

 

[Oceanbee]

As has been mentioned in other posts, we may no longer be the Beauty of last season, which sadly combined with an arrogance at a critical stage and then defeat.
Instead, we now have become the outstandingly powerful and effective, albeit always humble, Beast!!!

However, this is a Beast who will never lie down, shrugs off the scars, keeps going whatever happens, and can be very graceful and then tough at the right and different moments.

Whereas, when the going got tough, and at critical moments, the Beauty didn’t want to get stuck in and fight tooth and nail.

I’m sure that most of us prefer the character we have now become within less than 5 months!

 

[AB]

As has been mentioned in other posts, we may no longer be the Beauty of last season, which sadly combined with an arrogance at a critical stage and then defeat.
Instead, we now have become the outstandingly powerful and effective, albeit always humble, Beast!!!

However, this is a Beast who will never lie down, shrugs off the scars, keeps going whatever happens, and can be very graceful and then tough at the right and different moments.

Whereas, when the going got tough, and at critical moments, the Beauty didn’t want to get stuck in and fight tooth and nail.

I’m sure that most of us prefer the character we have now become within less than 5 months!

We’ve learned the hard way that we have to earn the right to play with swagger. Sometimes we have to go long. Sometimes we have to put a foot in. Always we have to be up for the midfield battle and getting our head to it and winning the second ball. Then, once the opponent knows we’ll make the goal line clearances and won’t just pass it around our back 5 until one makes a mistake for a pressing forward to grab a goal from (shuddering now at the memory of Swansea’s 3-0 lead in 25 minutes at GP in TF’s horror period- first and only time I’ve ever joined the chants for a bees manager to be sacked), and only then, we turn the screw like the successful clubs over the last 6 years have too often done to us.

No soft underbelly. No softheadedness.

 

[WARFIELD BEE]

Absolutely. I'd forgotten that Fosu came to us in the January window. Janelt was immense today, again. Isn't it great to think that these two would be considered for the bench in a fully fit squad?

Not for me, one of the first names on the team sheet, even when CN is available, this boy is class.
Brilliant performance, however Jensen and Ghoddos could/should have made it more emphatic.

 

[AB]

Not for me, one of the first names on the team sheet, even when CN is available, this boy is class.
Brilliant performance, however Jensen and Ghoddos could/should have made it more emphatic.

At CDM Vitaly takes the defensive game forcibly to the opposition whereas Christian more subtly just snuffs them out. At this level they can now be used as tactical alternative solutions to the problem of controlling midfield and the game. I suspect if we go up we might see them playing together against the top PL teams. Imagine the pair of them shutting Liverpool out at LR!

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

Fantastic stuff....a real battle of 2 very decent teams and I thought we deserved it overall...we look unstoppable and if we’re not champions by the Watford home game I’d be very surprised....nothing can stop us except ourselves....time to banish the “Brentford innit” forever I reckon by May Great times

 

[mhead bee]

Incredible to be sitting in 2nd place of the championship & our first ever semi final going in to 2021.

And if Norwich hadn't equalised with a deflect shot in the last minute we would have been on a 15 match unbeaten run beating Norwich, Muff and Reading whilst drawing with Swansea and Watford (away with only 10 men) and then throw in 4 premier league sides despatched by our weakened team with B team payers.

 

[kaebess]

And if Norwich hadn't equalised with a deflect shot in the last minute we would have been on a 15 match unbeaten run beating Norwich, Muff and Reading whilst drawing with Swansea and Watford (away with only 10 men) and then throw in 4 premier league sides despatched by our weakened team with B team payers.

if you change the Norwich result as said above, we would be top of the league not second?

 

[hypa123]

we now have become the outstandingly powerful and effective, albeit always humble, Beast!!!

Come on, you Beast!

 

[Alan D]

Following a dodgy opening fifteen minutes, or so, it was a terrific performance against a very good team. Bournemouth will probably be thinking that they deserved something from the game and probably justly so. So many times last year we had similar views. This year we seem to have toughened up and show much more resilience and long may it continue.

 

[Terrible Twins]

Fantastic stuff....a real battle of 2 very decent teams and I thought we deserved it overall...we look unstoppable and if we’re not champions by the Watford home game I’d be very surprised....nothing can stop us except ourselves....time to banish the “Brentford innit” forever I reckon by May Great times

Re your Watford point
I said to a friend old Bees Supporter who went down to the South Coast 40 years ago and is Bournemouth Season Ticket Holder when the fixture list came out . I was going down there for the last game of the season where both teams needed a draw to get promoted. I reminded him last night

 

[unBEEliveable]

For me that was the best win, in terms of progression of us as a club, that we have had in the Championship. To be one down to a relegated club who have kept the vast majority of their established Premier League team and to show the strength in character, determination, skill and tactical nous to reel in and dispatch Bournemouth as we did last night was the perfect way to end this horrible year. IF we are able to strengthen the squad further in January and with one of our best players returning in Norgaard we can only get better and this is a scary thought for our opposition and an exciting thought for us.

Going into 2021 2nd in the league - this is definitely a "let's go for it" moment but this time we have the right team and most importantly the right head coach in charge, things could get very exciting indeed in the next few months.

 

[Simon BMTH]

Following a dodgy opening fifteen minutes, or so, it was a terrific performance against a very good team. Bournemouth will probably be thinking that they deserved something from the game and probably justly so. So many times last year we had similar views. This year we seem to have toughened up and show much more resilience and long may it continue.

From our side - I think most of us are a bit frustrated about letting the winner in, I think it's annoying as Smith is playing crap at the moment and he was going walkies when the cross came over. Jack Stacey will most likely be straight in right back again when he's fit - Jack was playing well in the PL last season, I was surprised no one came in for him in the summer.

Both teams have talented players in them, but we need to play as a team more, as you do. At the moment I see that it's going to be tough to get you and Norwich out of the top 2 from now on. Best of luck anyhow- would be happy for my old schoolmate Dave, lifelong Bees fan who is from Bournemouth if you went up..

 

[Simon BMTH]

relegated club who have kept the vast majority of their established Premier League team

Just a quick fact check on that one - from our usual starting line up last season, compared to last night, there was no - Ramsdale, Ake, Fraser, Wilson and King, so that's 45% of the team gone (I know King came on, but he might well not have bothered!)

We keep getting this story in the media all the time, but we have sold £80 million worth of talent. King is supposed to be off to West Ham apparently, or Germany.

 

[AB]

Just a quick fact check on that one - from our usual starting line up last season, compared to last night, there was no - Ramsdale, Ake, Fraser, Wilson and King, so that's 45% of the team gone (I know King came on, but he might well not have bothered!)

We keep getting this story in the media all the time, but we have sold £80 million worth of talent. King is supposed to be off to West Ham apparently, or Germany.

From his play against us for Cardiff at the weekend I don’t think Wilson was much of a miss and Brooks is better (wasn’t Wilson loaned in to cover Brooks’ absence through injury?).

 

[wibs]

Just a quick fact check on that one - from our usual starting line up last season, compared to last night, there was no - Ramsdale, Ake, Fraser, Wilson and King, so that's 45% of the team gone (I know King came on, but he might well not have bothered!)

We keep getting this story in the media all the time, but we have sold £80 million worth of talent. King is supposed to be off to West Ham apparently, or Germany.

The cheek of the man to use actual facts to disprove our point. So annoying when people do that.

 

[AB]

From his play against us for Cardiff at the weekend I don’t think Wilson was much of a miss and Brooks is better (wasn’t Wilson loaned in to cover Brooks’ absence through injury?).

And Callum Wilson did so little for Newcastle in the Carabao I’d completely forgotten he’d played when writing that post!

 

[Simon BMTH]

The cheek of the man to use actual facts to disprove our point. So annoying when people do that.

I like to annoy if at all possible

 

[unBEEliveable]

Just a quick fact check on that one - from our usual starting line up last season, compared to last night, there was no - Ramsdale, Ake, Fraser, Wilson and King, so that's 45% of the team gone (I know King came on, but he might well not have bothered!)

We keep getting this story in the media all the time, but we have sold £80 million worth of talent. King is supposed to be off to West Ham apparently, or Germany.

Still 55% is a majority maybe not vast but a majority nonetheless....

 

[Simon BMTH]

And Callum Wilson did so little for Newcastle in the Carabao I’d completely forgotten he’d played when writing that post!

He's dead to us - real shame tbh...should have been a Bmth legend, but gave up when we most needed him and that idiot Scottish winger...

 

[Simon BMTH]

.

Still 55% is a majority maybe not vast but a majority nonetheless....

Yeah but you have to keep some players . We sold as many as we could...

 

[unBEEliveable]

.

Yeah but you have to keep some players . We sold as many as we could...

Can you stop ruining my narrative please

Anyway was very impressed and honestly hope it is us and you who go up as, from what I've seen, we both play the best/most attractive football in the league. Just hope we win it and you come a close second

 

[YorkBee]

Can you stop ruining my narrative please

Anyway was very impressed and honestly hope it is us and you who go up as, from what I've seen, we both play the best/most attractive football in the league. Just hope we win it and you come a close second

I just hope that both teams are at least 4 points clear of the team in third, if as it is stated the final game is muff v us and whatever the outcome both sets of fans can join in what should be not only a joyous occasion for the fans but also a feast of football again. I don't mind finishing second, but yes the title of Champions would be very nice indeed

 

[lanzabee]

.

Yeah but you have to keep some players . We sold as many as we could...

Liked the look of Billing, he was really driving you on in the first 15 mins or so

 

[djheavens]

It was a brilliant win and we showed some real steel and character. To think that 4 of the players on the pitch cost them £72 million
Solanke 20 million
Billing 15 million
Lerma 25 million
Brooks 12+ million
They have the best squad in the division I would say but we showed we can stand up and beat them .. just fantastic ?

 

[liverbee]

Seeing Bournemouth relegated was the biggest surprise of last season.

 

[lanzabee]

It was a brilliant win and we showed some real steel and character. To think that 4 of the players on the pitch cost them £72 million
Solanke 20 million
Billing 15 million
Lerma 25 million
Brooks 12+ million
They have the best squad in the division I would say but we showed we can stand up and beat them .. just fantastic ?

Toney and Janelt have added some real grit, both happy to mix it. Addf PJ and Pinnock and we're certainly a more physical proposition than llast term

 

[vcmazz]

Wasn't the best day for Toney today, got a bit frustrated but still worked his arse off and the back four after a difficult first 15 proved as solid as ever.

As long as we win, I actually quite like it when Toney has a frustrating time and doesn't score. Because every time that happens, it means he's a little bit closer to giving some poor defence a proper pasting. It's coming soon.

 

[Terrible Twins]

It was a brilliant win and we showed some real steel and character. To think that 4 of the players on the pitch cost them £72 million
Solanke 20 million
Billing 15 million
Lerma 25 million
Brooks 12+ million
They have the best squad in the division I would say but we showed we can stand up and beat them .. just fantastic ?

You can add to the squad at least Mepham £12 mil