Nick Bruzon identifies the best 5 Bees in their draw against Newcastle and provides an updated top 5 over the course of the season to up to Gameweek 12.
Cripes, international break dragged. Thank goodness that’s all over and we can get back to the Premier League. To Brentford finally being handed a chance to put the ignominy of home defeat to Norwich City last time out behind us and restart the quest for points. LLLL a run that, whilst not as grim in person as it looks on paper, is still a run of four defeats with no return beyond an ever increasing injury list.
As if the two weeks since Norwich hadn’t given enough to stew over, there has been additional consideration with the news of Eddie Howe being appointed at St. James Park. The man so intrinsically associated with Bournemouth finally getting back on the managerial horse and then, at the big moment, straight back off it. At least, in terms of his presence. A positive Covid test on Friday meaning he was confined to barracks and left to fend off a global pandemic rather than killer Bees. This, of course, on top of the Saudi led takeover that has been met with what could politely be called ‘gritted teeth’. At least, outside the North-East. Hey, who needs to worry about human rights?
So with all the focus on the home side, Brentford were seen as nothing more than bit part players. Sacrificial lambs at the dawning of a new era. It got off to the best possible start for the home side, too. With just ten minutes gone they were ahead thanks to captain Jamaal Lascelles. Yet from that moment on, the script went out the window. Goal followed goal followed goal with the Bees twice taking the lead and neither side particularly worried about the fine art of defending. It was almost as though the dust had been blown off Kevin Keegan’s managerial notepad. By both teams.
In the end, it finished 3-3. Newcastle perhaps having the better of the opportunities but ending the day bottom of the Premier League after Norwich City made it two wins on the bounce. For the Bees, a well-earned point by an injury hit team. A team playing in a more traditional formation which very much supported the attacking side of our game. But who stood out? Who were the top five? How does that impact our current performance ratings?
Brentford Player Ratings from Gameweek 12 (vs Newcastle)
1st (Star Player) – Ivan Toney
What a way to stick it to his former club. Worked the opportunity for our first goal quite magnificently. Made space before shooting at, past and through Karl Darlow on the diagonal moments after Newcastle had taken the lead. Had another one chalked off soon after when bundling home a Mbeumo effort that had hit the post and wobbled out rather than in. The offside was as tight as they come but the right call. Bonus points for preserving parity just before half time when called into play at the other end. Ivan was there on the line to block a nailed on goal from Callum Wilson at close range.
2nd – Sergi Canos
With the defensive changes seeing Mads Roerslev coming in as a right back, the ever popular Spaniard took full advantage of his role higher up the pitch. An early chance was followed up by not one but two assists. The first feeding Ivan and then a delightful left footed inswinger to find Rico Henry unmarked at the back stick. The trap to bring the ball under immediate control was delicious but the subsequent cross took out the entire Newcastle defence in one fell swoop. 2-1 Bees.
3rd – Rico Henry
A second goal in as many games. Galloping up the left flank all afternoon like a champion racehorse, he timed his moment for our second goal to perfection. The man must have lungs of iron and calves of steel to keep going up and down the pitch. On an afternoon where most of attacking threat came down the wings, he was a much needed additional element in a game of basketball football where the two sides traded goal scoring opportunities as easily as panini cards.
4th – Bryan Mbeumo
Another game where he kept on running. Linked up wonderfully all afternoon with Sergi and Ivan to form the greatest power trio since popular music’s Ash. Created several opportunities, the best of which was the aforementioned ‘goal’ for Ivan that would be ruled out by the combination of a lino’s flag and VAR.
5th – Ethan Pinnock
On an afternoon where defending quality was as much an aspiration as anything else, thank goodness for Ethan. The one solid element in the Bees back line, dealt with anything that came his way and provided a timely intervention at the death. With Joelinton released by Saint-Maximin, it should have been game over. Instead, a timely lunge caused the Newcastle man to go flat on his backside with the goal beckoning.
Brentford Player Ratings – Top 5 Players Overall (after Gameweek 12)
We have a reshuffle at the top of the Brentford player ratings. With the normally dependable Christian Norgaard failing to trouble the scorers, Ivan Toney takes the lead. Rico Henry is tucked in right behind him followed by (of the fit players) Sergi and Ethan. The season has a long way to go, though. Who will be our Mr. Consistent? Who will break into that top group? Can the Bees get back to winning ways against Everton? Tune in next Sunday to find out.
1st – Ivan Toney
2nd – Rico Henry
3rd – Christian Norgaard
4th – Bryan Mbuemo
T5th – Sergi Canos, David Raya
Keep an eye out for Boosts on Brentford matches at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
