Who were the best 5 Bees in the Brentford’s 2-2 draw at Leeds and how does that shape the top 5 players of the season so far? Nick Bruzon dissects the action after Gameweek 15.
The game that had it all. Ecstasy. Agony. Four goals. Leeds, Leeds falling apart. Again. Only to build themselves back up with an equaliser deep, deep in to stoppage time.
A 2-2 scoreline only telling the merest fraction of a story that began with the news that Ivan Toney would miss out after a positive Covid test result. Mads Roerslev covering the right wing back role so Sergi Canos could begin up top before adjusting his position and running riot. Shandon Baptiste also starting this one after impressing (relatively) from the bench against Spurs on Thursday night.
For Brentford, a point gained in a hostile environment. A point gained without our talismanic star man. A reminder that we can score goals even if Ivan is missing.
Yet coming home from this one it still felt like the harshest reminder of how football can go. Snatching a draw from the jaws of victory. Not just that Patrick Bamford’s equaliser came in the 95th minute but as much because of how well The Bees had performed in the second half. If ever we were going to channel the spirit of Dean Smith and leave it feeling we had ‘deserved to win’ then this was the time.
Sadly, football doesn’t work like that.
Alvaro Fernandez had kept the Bees well in it with a number of smart stops but misses out on a third ‘top five’ placing for his role in the second goal against. The challenge of being a goalkeeper. All the good work can be undone in an instant. All the heroics count for nothing.
Likewise, Charlie Goode who got so high up the pitch running out of defence he needed oxygen before a lazy pass was intercepted and began the move for Leeds’ opening goal.
1-0 United became 2-1 Brentford (Baptiste and Canos) but eventually turned to that 2-2 final score.
Leeds may well need a conversation with the authorities now. As much the two fingers shown by director Victor Orta (seemingly, to his fans) as those supporters who threw an object that felled Sergi for celebrating his goal. Albeit, right in front of them. Maupay style. Whatever the frustration from the fans, there’s no excuse for any of that.
So who shone? Who were the top five performers? With Ivan Toney missing and also out for a period of self-isolation, might we see a change at or near the top of the table?
Brentford Player Ratings from Gameweek 15 (vs Leeds)
1st (Star Player) – Sergi Canos
It was close at the top but in the end Sergi wins it.
Nobody could deny his passion – just look at how he celebrated the goal – but when he combines it with a performance like this he can only be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Flexible, adaptable, electric. Never stopped running and dominated the second half as he slotted into another new position. The assist for Shandon’s equaliser was followed by a couple of chances to give us the lead before he eventually did it with a quite beautiful finish.
Really raised his game and seemed to feed off the atmosphere, as we saw in that celebration.
2nd – Shandon Baptiste
It could have been Shandon at the top. Really, it was that close between him and Sergi. Certainly one of his most impressive performances for The Bees.
Drove the midfield and was the main man looking to put the ‘push up’ into that oft demanded cry from the supporters, “Push Up, Brentford”! Scored with his one real chance but it was as much the constant interplay with Sergi that was the delight to watch. If only there was a way to link the pair of them more often…..
3rd – Mads Roerslev
As if by magic! With Mads covering off for Sergi in the wing back role, it allowed Brentford to find that extra thrust.
At the same time, he still had his own part to play and did it in some style. Strong on the back foot yet always trying to take the ball forward when the chance presented.
Thomas Frank acknowledging at full time that it was his best game for Brentford. Certainly, since the play-off final.
4th – Christian Norgaard
Our Mr. Consistent was back to the levels we love so much.
He’s good at the best of times but it’s when he’s not having to carry the rest of the midfield that we really see what he can do. Filled that holding role perfectly but just as comfortable taking it forward and starting the play. It’s a shame his lead wasn’t followed for that opening goal.
5th – Pontus Jansson
It’s a tough call for the last slot. Rico and Ethan could arguably have been in with a shout but in the end we’ll give it to Pontus.
Provided a number of timely challenges and interceptions which would not have been seen by those only able to catch via the potted highlights subsequently shown by MOTD2. Remained strong throughout and gave his former manager a timely reminder of the one that got away.
One could well argue that had he been on the other side, they’d have got all three points. But that’s not how football works, he wasn’t and Bielsa’s loss was very much Brentford’s gain yesterday.
Brentford Player Ratings – Top 5 Players Overall (after Gameweek 15)
All of which means things are locking up at the top.
Ivan remains clear but Christian is catching Rico and Sergi displaces David Raya to stride clear in fifth.
We’ve a whole clutch of players just below that. Shandon Baptiste very much the one to watch when Watford come to town on Friday evening.
1st – Ivan Toney
2nd – Rico Henry
3rd – Christian Norgaard
4th – Bryan Mbuemo
5th – Sergi Canos
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