Final Score Brighton 2 - 0 Bees

[BudleighBee]

I am just asking the bedwetters to get a sense of perspective yes it’s frustrating to go 2 goals down against a team on a losing run, and yes it’s frustrating that we only played well once we had gone 2 goals down but no the performance was not “awful” by any stretch of the imagination

Westendbee, it really was an awful performance in the Premier League. Thats where we are now and where we want to stay. Doing well or badly against Orient or Oldham in 2006 or 2014 will not help us , we have progressed and yes it is really good that we have and yes there were reasons why tonight was bad, so on a one-off performance no need to be overly concerned, especially with all those missing. We will always have a few bad performances, that is to be expected. But accepting bad performances and pretending they were not bad is not how to build a good and sustainable Premier League team.

 

[BedfontRed]

Of course we weren't good, but all I'm saying is that perspective is needed.

For which you might eg just go back a few months, substitute "Brentford" for "Brighton" and "Arsenal" for "Brentford" and see what you get.

What the feck r on about No perspective needed. We were awful. It’s all about the now and this is a game in which we had to compete and accept for a few minutes second half we were crap

 

[JCMcBee]

....our objective was/is to stay in this league.....same as Brighton's I'd argue.....they got a long overdue win tonight which helps their cause..... their team was much restored having been depleted for several weeks.....it showed first half.....we were all over the place because our team is currently where theirs was.....we will get our shape and structure/system back early 22.....our next 3 PL games I expect very little from....but Wolves at home at end January for me will determine our destiny this season.....we need to kick on Burnley style from that point.....keep the faith until that time.

 

[BFC1997]

Frank interview: ‘First half we were very bad on the ball’.

agreed, and it’s a recurring issue.

Yeah, it’s a tricky one though. We aren’t one of the better footballing sides in the league to start off with but then when several of your better players are out with injury / COVID it starts to become even more of an issue.

I do think Frank is getting it slightly wrong though with all these players out of position.

 

[Bridge Bee]

Our quality on the ball was dreadful. And that was established starters like Pinnock, Canos, Jensen, Norgaard and Toney. Simple passes going astray. No amount of injuries or covid can be used as an excuse for that.

Next 5 league games we’ve got City twice and Liverpool away. Plus the rearranged United game maybe thrown in. Strap in everyone.

 

[sheffbee]

The amount of times our players, when under pressure just kick the ball up field without looking up worries me. Invariably this sets up the opposition again . I know it is EFL stuff but I'd rather we put the ball out for a throw.

Watched on the box but our lack of cover for so many key players out seems the main problem. Will be very difficult against City . Always the optimist but praying for a miracle on Wednesday

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

IMO when we are missing so many players TF needs to change the formation and make us harder to beat. Too many players out of position.

 

[Sandybee]

I love this club, but to be in a position to have Sergi and Thompson as full backs in the Premier League is borderline negligence.

Yes, neither of them are good enough to play full back in the prem, although they weren’t in the correct position very often anyway! I got the impression that Thomas Frank was extremely frustrated with our 1st half showing, not least because of this.

 

[johndub]

Well, put it this way, I’ve seen us play better.

I’d bet City are pooping their pants at the thought of playing us. They’ll know we’re really riled now.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Which one doesnt deserve a wage?

The one who isn't good enough to play at this level.

 

[romanthebee]

Not a good performance. First half very poor and the first goal was L1 defending. Having said that, if one of our second half chances goes in?? Who knows. Need to get 3 points from the next 2 games....lookout City!

 

[ladbroke]

In a 352 system, the wing backs are crucial and we had the two worst players on the pitch playing there tonight. One I feel sorry for, the other one doesn't deserve a wage at this level.

I think we should be playing a formation to fit the players we have available if our full strength isn't available.
Why put 2 or 3 players in the wrong positions when we can form a team to their actual strengths.
If rumours were true about Janelt in LB ahead of Thompson, then he really is down the pecking order for his specialist position.
Is Roeslerv injured? If not why not 433 then?
Thompson isn't great as a wing back, but as a LB he may have done ok. He was exposed massively going forward.
Canos back up top with toney and either wissa or Bryan. Something different.

 

[Mr Cynical]

I think we should be playing a formation to fit the players we have available if our full strength isn't available.
Why put 2 or 3 players in the wrong positions when we can form a team to their actual strengths.
If rumours were true about Janelt in LB ahead of Thompson, then he really is down the pecking order for his specialist position.
Is Roeslerv injured? If not why not 433 then?
Thompson isn't great as a wing back, but as a LB he may have done ok. He was exposed massively going forward.
Canos back up top with toney and either wissa or Bryan. Something different.

We haven't got the players to play 433. Roerslev I think is a covid case so don't know when he'll be back, Thompson is def not a LB, he's best going forward so we'd either need to play Mads Bech or Gordon at LB and Stevens at RB if Roerslev isn't fit... Not ideal...

 

[exiledbee]

Agreed, I sometime questioned whether we have to play 352 every match. I feel like the other teams knows how to deal with us now after half season, we are really easy to predict and really poor adjustment based on our available players.

Call it what it os, 5-3-2.

 

[sonofabee]

Second best. They deserved it

They were the better side but let’s face facts, we have the 20th biggest budget in this league and are currently missing our keeper, Ajer, Janelt, Rico, Josh D and Ivan and Wissa aren’t match fit.
That’s just to big to ask us to compete with clubs with the next smallest budget that is double ours?

 

[The Pipe]

Awful for most of the first half, huffed and puffed in the second half creating some chances and with a bit of luck could have got an undeserved point.

My worry is that somewhere along the way in an effort to be more physical and competitive we have forgotten what got us into this league and that was playing passing football. I accept that against the Man City’s of this world our passing football would be ripped apart. However when playing clubs with similar ability levels like Brighton we shouldn’t be reliant on route one football.

I have read all the criticism on here tonight and it’s hard to disagree with however our squad depth is without doubt the most shallow in the division so therefore injuries and illness effect us far more than any other team. It does not cover a woeful inability to pass to team members but it does perhaps explain why we were all over the place.

Lots of things for Thomas to think about

 

[RAF_Patto]

We haven't got the players to play 433. Roerslev I think is a covid case so don't know when he'll be back, Thompson is def not a LB, he's best going forward so we'd either need to play Mads Bech or Gordon at LB and Stevens at RB if Roerslev isn't fit... Not ideal...

He's not a LWB either, he offered nothing tonight going forward. Maybe he needs to stick to his defensive duties in a back 4. For Citeh, I'd go with:

Alvaro
Stevens Pontus Ethan Thompson
Onyeka
Baptiste Ghoddos
Bryan Sergi
IT

 

[Sandybee]

Oh and please stop playing Pinnock on the right of a 3, feel so sorry for him. Body shape all wrong with ball at his feet, which means we’re so easy to set up against especially with Rayas special distribution not there either

He’s left footed! I’m sure Frank is as aware of this as us, moreover it shows how short of fit players we are.

 

[RAF_Patto]

He's not a LWB either, he offered nothing tonight going forward. Maybe he needs to stick to his defensive duties in a back 4. For Citeh, I'd go with:

Alvaro
Stevens Pontus Ethan Thompson
Onyeka
Baptiste Ghoddos
Bryan Sergi
IT

Meant to be a 4-3-3!

 

[Ealing Bee]

What the feck r on about No perspective needed. We were awful. It’s all about the now and this is a game in which we had to compete and accept for a few minutes second half we were crap

That's it then, season over.

Maybe I'll take up a new hobby.

Anyone want to buy my ST?

 

[KD]

My head hurts with all the possible responses and configurations but my faith in this team and manager is strong. They know this was not an acceptable performance and will come back from it.

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

The one who isn't good enough to play at this level.

So why not name him? Innocent question. DT i guess.

 

[Bridge Bee]

Before covid, form or injuries became an issue, we entered this season with no 1st choice right back and 1x left back with a long and recent injury record. This was always going to bite us at some point.

Absolutely mental and totally ties TFs hands when it comes to tactical or formation changes.

We’re now asking guys who didn’t get a kick in the championship to step up and win points in the premier league. More than a big ask.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

So why not name him? Innocent question. DT i guess.

Eh? Yes, Thompson.

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

Look we all know that Jensen ain’t goiid enough BUT what the feck has happened to sergi…he looks like a fkin kid out there…a kid that’s sh*t too

 

[sonofabee]

We’d have taken 20 points at Xmas all day long and we’ve had a really good go at teams when we’ve been at full strength.
Sadly we don’t have the strength in depth and you can’t send Championship standard players out against many teams at this level.
Thompson isn’t good enough to start in the Prem, Sergi isn’t good enough to start at right wing back in front of a left side defender like Ethan at this level.
Shandon is far too inconsistent and despite glimpses of class he goes missing, Norgaard had a terrible first half that is rare and Mathias did ok but he’s not what you need in a battle.
Bryan had an off day and Ivan was equally ineffective, it says something when our two best players were Pontus and Mads?

 

[Sandybee]

TF has just said that he was carrying a calf injury, but will be ok.

He didn’t put a time frame on it, did he?

 

[olliebfc]

Oh and please stop playing Pinnock on the right of a 3, feel so sorry for him. Body shape all wrong with ball at his feet, which means we’re so easy to set up against especially with Rayas special distribution not there either

He’s left footed! I’m sure Frank is as aware of this as us, moreover it shows how short of fit players we are.

Yeah that was kind of my point, that fact that he’s left footed.

 

[Idaho Bee]

Good support from the traveling fans, we didn't get much back for it though. Our inability to pass it between teammates was dreadful. Galling to have to watch Trossard (again) and Maupay score. (Though Maupays shot was a beauty). I'm glad we've got 20 points and I hope Norwich, Newcastle and one other team keep losing............

Though Maupay was getting a lot of stick from our fans it was classy of him not to celebrate / goad in front of us.

Still think we'll stay up this season and strengthen in the summer and come back stronger for next year.

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

We’d have taken 20 points at Xmas all day long and we’ve had a really good go at teams when we’ve been at full strength.
Sadly we don’t have the strength in depth and you can’t send Championship standard players out against many teams at this level.
Thompson isn’t good enough to start in the Prem, Sergi isn’t good enough to start at right wing back in front of a left side defender like Ethan at this level.
Shandon is far too inconsistent and despite glimpses of class he goes missing, Norgaard had a terrible first half that is rare and Mathias did ok but he’s not what you need in a battle.
Bryan had an off day and Ivan was equally ineffective, it says something when our two best players were Pontus and Mads?

Spot on. Recruitment is needed in Jan.

 

[Silly Hat]

Still love Maupay….he still loves us!

Shame the absolute w*nkers near me, singing ‘Neal Maupay, you’re a c*nt’ didn’t think so.

Elements of Brentford’s away support need a massive battering. We attract a minority of disgusting, sweary filth nowadays, sadly.

 

[North Northants Bee]

Shame the absolute w*nkers near me, singing ‘Neal Maupay, you’re a c*nt’ didn’t think so.

Elements of Brentford’s away support need a massive battering. We attract a minority of disgusting, sweary filth nowadays, sadly.

That’s absolutely shocking behaviour….disgusting

 

[Zeeco]

We were the architects of our own downfall, simply by marking Toni out of the game and putting us under pressure, the players found it impossible not to give the ball away, and is there a reason why we can't make inside runs from the wing? That would open so much space!
Our performances have been going down hill, the second half of the season could be a painful one.

 

[sonofabee]

Shame the absolute w*nkers near me, singing ‘Neal Maupay, you’re a c*nt’ didn’t think so.

Elements of Brentford’s away support need a massive battering. We attract a minority of disgusting, sweary filth nowadays, sadly.

Complete handpumps and they need to be be told

 

[Balders Bee]

After a promising first 15 mins and chances for Brian and Baptiste the rest of the first half was like a re-run of the Burnley away horror show. An inability to retain possession, poor decision making and two bit of quality from Trossard and our old hero Neal left us with a mountain to climb. It was a collectively poor effort from all concerned though Jensen appears to be the player scapegoated as usual - he was no better or worst than everyone else. Sergi and young Thompson didn't offer anything going forward and the three centre backs appeared unbalanced although Ethan bravely tried to repel Brighton attack after attack.
Second half saw Brighton sit deeper and we huffed and puffed to get a foothold back in the game. Canos got forward more effectively and created more with Cucurella not pushing forward as much. Frank the Tank provided more physicality in the middle of the pitch whilst not always using the possession he'd won well. Baptiste covered an awful lot of ground without ever finding the pass or finish to really impact the game. Wissa showed glimpses of great skill with the ball at his feet but didn't really impact the game and Toney was some way off his best cutting a frustrated, angry figure as nothing went his way. Sánchez pulled off the obligatory two 'Worldie' saves to deny Baptiste & Pinnock and despite some late pressure from Ghoddos down the left there way no way back.
We were deservedly beaten by a more accomplished team on the night who produced two stunning bits of finishing. Brighton are in their fourth year in the Premier League and it showed tonight. Our injury and illness depleted squad just weren't good enough in the end, a frustrating night for players and fans alike. However we will endure games like this and must learn from them.

 

[Albee]

We lack depth which is understandable. DT and MBS are not premier league player yet. SC is not a wingback. The sideshow bob fella exposed Sergi massively tonight. Felt we over complicated things all game. No simple passes and played into Brightons hands.. Not sure we need to go mad in January, but we need to get the players more focused. We've seen we can mix it up with the best.

 

[UtrechtBee]

Blame the injury is one side, but the courage to play is lost. REALLY missing players like Janelt and Ajer, their energy are endless.

Absolutely this

 

[UtrechtBee]

Call it what it os, 5-3-2.

Exactly! 3-5-2 becomes 5-3-2 when the Canos and Henry/Thompson are pinned back in their own penalty area the entire game

 

[Sandybee]

Yeah that was kind of my point, that fact that he’s left footed.

Yeah, I was stating the obvious really. When I saw the injuries stacking up, I was kind of dreading this set up again. It reminds me of when we played Coventry away last year, also on tv, when Rico got injured, another co-incidence if you like. The following month, the players then were cobbled together with barely a decent fit team and some playing out of position, but this time the January window is just round the corner. It could be a lucky break.

 

[PJ]

What channel is the cricket on sorry to post on the entirely wrong thread but I've been on the sauce so best to stick to one thread or I might not find my way back

 

[clactonbee]

Was a very poor performance but hearing the way Neal Maupay spoke about our club soon made me forget what had gone before.
Its great to see how some players are grateful for what Brentford FC have done for them.
Well done Neal.

 

[hanworthbee]

But “awful” was matches like say Oldham away in 2006, or most matches at Orient before 2014 … this was a defeat in the Premier League against a decent team … people really need to get a sense of perspective

So tedius bringing up past games...we are in the PL now so how far we've come etc is irrelevant to how we are playing now

 

[Gee Bee]

Raya
Goode Ajer Zanka
Roeslev Janelt JDS Norgaard Henry
Fosu Mbeumo

This is a team where all or most will miss Man City game. Perspective.

 

[Beefletch]

Which one doesnt deserve a wage?

I suspect he is referring to Dom Thompson . A Swindon Town supporting friend of mine referred to him as “distinctly average” during his loan spell to them saying that he couldn’t believe he was a Premiership player at the start of this season ?
My simple reply to him is: He isn’t!!

 

[Wise old Bee]

The second goal was poor defending. We know you get punished in this league for small errors or loss of concentration but, when defending, you don't always have to make tackles and sometimes you just need to have a defender between the striker and the goal. We left massive space for Neal to get his shot away. Do that against City.......

 

[Lewbeelou]

Yes we were poor first half but overall I think we were ver unlucky, could easily have got a point there, second half we were the better side and created several good chances and It took some unbelievable goalkeeping and defending to keep us out. We were ahead on XG. With half the side out, against a very good Brighton team, i don’t think we did too badly.

 

[Andy_Mc_is_God]

Good support from the traveling fans, we didn't get much back for it though. Our inability to pass it between teammates was dreadful. Galling to have to watch Trossard (again) and Maupay score. (Though Maupays shot was a beauty). I'm glad we've got 20 points and I hope Norwich, Newcastle and one other team keep losing............

Though Maupay was getting a lot of stick from our fans it was classy of him not to celebrate / goad in front of us.

Still think we'll stay up this season and strengthen in the summer and come back stronger for next year.

Spot on Idaho.
Thought we were actually pretty good for the first 10 mins but then all of a sudden we couldn’t string two passes together. We continually gave the ball back to them resulting in us getting caught wrong side and running back to our own goal.
Norgaard and Ivan were particularly profligate for some reason. Unusual.
But everyone was guilty,
Thought Goddos did well when he came on. Injected a bit of passion and urgency.
However poor we were with a bit of luck we still could have got a (undeserved) point.

 

[OrchardBee]

I think we should be playing a formation to fit the players we have available if our full strength isn't available.
Why put 2 or 3 players in the wrong positions when we can form a team to their actual strengths.
If rumours were true about Janelt in LB ahead of Thompson, then he really is down the pecking order for his specialist position.
Is Roeslerv injured? If not why not 433 then?
Thompson isn't great as a wing back, but as a LB he may have done ok. He was exposed massively going forward.
Canos back up top with toney and either wissa or Bryan. Something different.

I think your first sentence is absolutely spot on and, for me, sums up our primary issue right now. Yes, as many people have rightly commented, there are lots of mitigations at the moment - injuries, COVID, suspension, squad depth and budget - but it is because of these that the ongoing 3-5-2 needs to be reviewed. At the end of the day the game is only won by the players available and the formation should enable/ empower them to do so. Of course, 3-5-2 will be the right answer sometimes (maybe often); but always?
With the prospect of the imminent transfer window and the eventual recoveries from injury, I think we’ll do OK, and quite possibly more than that, but right now I’m taking more than a little comfort from the woes of teams below us and their contribution to ensuring we still have a cushion above them.

 

[Shamrock_Bee]

Yes we were poor first half but overall I think we were ver unlucky, could easily have got a point there, second half we were the better side and created several good chances and It took some unbelievable goalkeeping and defending to keep us out. We were ahead on XG. With half the side out, against a very good Brighton team, i don’t think we did too badly.

Maybe but goalkeeping and defending is part of the game and in the PL the quality of those is usually excellent and Brighton were excellent in those departments last night.

XG is important but I'm a little old fashioned as well, I thought we were well beaten and luck played no part in that. Brighton were by far the better team, offensively and defensively as well as getting their tactics spot on; yes they allowed us the ball in the 2nd half as they went into game management mode but they still looked comfortable.

We do have a lot of players out and whilst a few tactical/system changes would help in some games as we head to the end of 2021 with twenty PL points there is a lot to be happy about.

 

[Billy Hunt]

Shame the absolute w*nkers near me, singing ‘Neal Maupay, you’re a c*nt’ didn’t think so.

Elements of Brentford’s away support need a massive battering. We attract a minority of disgusting, sweary filth nowadays, sadly.

There are some pathetic people following my football club.
The twits in the row behind me disappeared after the second goal and my evening improved.

We didn’t play well. Still took two brilliant goals to beat us.

On to the next one…