Brentford were unable to make it three straight league wins in the top flight for the first time since September 1946, as they went down to defeat against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. A poor first half allowed the Foxes to take a two-goal lead at the break, with a thunderbolt from Timothy Castagne breaking the deadlock.
James Maddison doubled their lead with a free-kick, despite making a meal of being fouled. The Bees improved in the second half, but found Kasper Schmeichel in top form before Yoane Wissa gave them late hope with a well taken finish, but it wasn’t to be enough.
It wasn't an ideal result for a Bees side hoping to push further away from the relegation places. Brentford reporter Uzzi Majid looks at some of the talking points from the clash against Brendan Rodgers' side.
READ MORE: Every word Thomas Frank said after Brentford's defeat against Leicester City
Tale of two halves
Brentford paid the price for a poor first half performance. They were too passive and rarely forced or pressed Leicester into any errors. However, the second half was a completely different story; Frank’s side completely bombarded the Foxes' goal, but found Kasper Schmeichel in incredible form.
The Foxes stopper somehow denied the likes of Pontus Jansson and Bryan Mbeumo, who both really should have scored. Schmeichel was eventually beaten by Wissa’s late effort, but ultimately it was too little and too late for the Bees on the day.
No Eriksen no creativity
The Bees had to make do without new signing Christian Eriksen after it had been confirmed that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Eriksen had a special impact against Norwich and Burnley, and the Bees missed his presence hugely on a day that didn't go quite right for them.
Brentford missed his creativity as they were unable to create chances in the first half which proved their undoing, and having the Dane available might have resulted in a very different story.
Wonderful Wissa
One player who could certainly have left his head held high was Yoane Wissa. Despite chipping in with goals, the Congo international hasn’t had a consistent run of games in his preferred position. He looked threatening every time he ventured forward, and did himself proud with a hard-working display.
Given the nod ahead of Sergi Canos, he kept Leicester right back James Justin on his toes in what was an interesting battle. He kept persisting and was rewarded with a fine finish towards the end of the game. Barring injury/COVID, he should start again at Chelsea next Saturday.
Next set of fixtures
Brentford have a brutal set of fixtures after the international break. They face an in-form Chelsea side, still in the running to win the FA Cup and Champions League. Thomas Tuchel's side have only lost once at home this season in the league, so the Bees will certainly have their work cut out if they are to leave Stamford Bridge with something.
Games against West Ham, Watford and Spurs follow; all of which will be very difficult for different reasons. That said, Brentford will relish hosting the likes of the Hammers and Tottenham who have European aspirations of their own. If the Bees manage to avoid damage limitation, it could go a long way to securing their survival.
