Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Uzzi Majid

Thomas Frank brings out gritty side to Brentford's game as they sting Watford in dying seconds

It was the late late show at Vicarage Road for Brentford as they left it late to record another late victory on the road against Watford.

The Bees were in complete control in the first half and were rewarded for their good start when Christian Norgaard tapped home past Ben Foster via Kristoffer Ajer's flick from Ethan Pinnock's throw-in.

Watford got back on level terms 10 minutes into the second half when Emmanuel Dennis finished past David Raya at his near post despite VAR clearly showing that a Hornets player was offside in the build-up. The goal rattled the Bees and Watford had a glorious opportunity to win it in the dying minutes when Imran Louza blazed over with the goal gaping.

READ MORE: Brentford player ratings as Jansson steals the show with late winner

They would be forced to pay heavily for it when Brentford were given one final chance. Bryan Mbeumo was fouled and up stepped Christian Eriksen to deliver a pinpoint free-kick, which was met by skipper Pontus Jansson to spark delirious scenes amongst 2,000 Bees who made the trip to Hertfordshire.

Brentford reporter Uzzi Majid took a look at some of the talking points from yesterday's dramatic victory against Roy Hodgson's side.

Great first half

Other than an Ismaila Sarr header in which David Raya barely moved a muscle, Brentford started the game like the home side and were all over Watford. Christian Eriksen came close with a curling effort that flew past Ben Foster's left-hand post before they broke the deadlock through Christian Norgaard - who won't score many easier goals.

The Bees had further chances to put the game beyond doubt after, with Eriksen and Vitaly Janelt coming close. It was one of Brentford's best halves of the season and despite the win, Frank would have been disappointed that Brentford didn't make their superiority count sooner rather than allowing the home side back into the contest.

Backs against the wall

After Watford's equaliser, it was really backs against the wall for the Bees. The Hornets were all over them and came close on a number of occasions to take all three points; Frank would have been pleased that Brentford withstood pressure from the home side but will feel they shouldn't have been in that situation in the first place.

For the first time in a long time, Brentford showed their gritty side and won ugly which has been seldom this season. There have been a number of games this season against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United where the Bees deserved more, so Frank would have been pleased his players showed such courage to remain in the game and end up winning despite not being at their best.

Tottenham next week

Next Saturday sees the small matter of Brentford welcoming Tottenham for another London derby under the lights in a game that Bees fans will be relishing. Spurs suffered a surprise home defeat at the hands of Brighton and will desperately need to respond, especially with top-four rivals Arsenal and Manchester United going to head-to-head in the early kick-off.

Brentford's run of form gives them encouragement ahead of the meeting against Antonio Conte's side. However, Spurs still remain relatively favourites to come out on top given their aspirations of finishing in the top four along with the fact the Bees are practically safe and are playing for pride. However, Frank will be demanding his players carry on this great run of form and make it four wins on the bounce - and throwing a spanner in Spurs' top four works at the same time.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.