Brentford

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  1. Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:59 23 December 2024

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    Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest shoots at goal during the Premier League match at BrentfordImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Brentford fans

    Ian: Forest did a job on Brentford. Two chances, two goals - and goals win matches. Mbuemo, Wissa and Schade were well marshalled by the Forest defenders. Damsgaard had another great game, but his efforts in midfield could not unlock the Forest defence. Both of these teams will finish the season mid-table.

    Will: It's a game of fine margins. We had chances that we couldn't convert. I feel like there was a bit too much dancing around the box and a bit too little of taking a shot to make a chance happen. Credit to Forest, they defended really well and were clinical when they had a chance. We are really missing some of the key players who are off injured. We need to make the best of what we have, as we move on with a tough run of games coming. Come on, you Bees!

    George: It's clear that the sting we are missing this season is through impact substitutions. Wissa was once a bullet from the bench, but now he can't get any rest. We started strong but we had nothing up our sleeves for a second-half 'second wind'.

    Jed: Our bubble has burst and. If we don't start picking up away points, we are going down the table.

    Forest fans

    Shaun: The way we started, a lot of teams might have scored and fortunately Brentford were not able to take advantage. We then grew into the game, mostly letting Brentford have the ball in non-dangerous areas but we had the much better chances. Once we got the second goal they tried getting back into the game, but our defence did enough to deservedly win the game. Good to see Elanga back into the groove again.

    Raymond: When I looked at the line-up for this game, I thought: "That is a team with intent!" For me, that is our strongest team.

    James: Solid going forward, solid defending, not a foot put wrong all game. We won quite convincingly. I'm so happy with the past year under Nuno - and long may it continue.

    Stuart: Our success is built on the defensive strength of Murillo and Milenkovic. They truly give us something to build on going forward, where there is enough talent higher up the pitch to be a threat to any team.

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  2. Catch up on the Premier League actionpublished at 10:50 22 December 2024

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    Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures, including Manchester City's visit to Aston Villa and the London derby between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

    If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

    Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

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  3. Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest - Bees lack cutting edgepublished at 19:12 21 December 2024

    Steve Sutcliffe
    BBC Sport journalist

    Bryan Mbeumo looks frustratedImage source, Getty Images

    After losing on their travels at Chelsea last Sunday and being knocked out of the Carabao Cup at Newcastle on Wednesday, Brentford were probably looking forward to returning to the Gtech Community Stadium.

    However, they saw a wonderful unbeaten run containing seven victories and a draw, come to an abrupt end against a determined Nottingham Forest side.

    While Thomas Frank's team dominated possession, they huffed and puffed at times and were unable to find a way through a resolute Forest defence or past visiting goalkeeper Matz Sels.

    Had Mikkel Damsgaard or Yoane Wissa converted either of two good early chances when the scores were level, the flow of the match and the outcome may have been different.

    But they didn't and it set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for the hosts, as they failed to score at home for the first time this season.

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  4. 'We had more dangerous moments without having clear-cut chances'published at 18:01 21 December 2024

     Thomas Frank, Manager of Brentford, arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Gtech Community Stadium on December 21, 2024Image source, Getty Images

    Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been speaking to Premier League Productions following the defeat: "I thought we performed well, if I'm honest. I thought we were on top in a lot of moments, but we had more dangerous moments without having clear-cut chances.

    "Defensively, it was probably our best performance of the season. Of course, we have conceded two goals but that's different. The second goal is obviously a mistake. The first one we can do better too, no doubt about that.

    "Maybe we didn't have enough on the bench because of injuries, but I'm quite pleased with the performance. It happens – that's football.

    "Nottingham Forest have played 4-2-3-1 all season but changed to a 5-4-1 here, which is a credit to what we have done [at home this season]."

    On losing their perfect home record: "It's annoying, but it happens."

  5. Sutton's predictions: Brentford v Nottingham Forestpublished at 12:01 21 December 2024

    Chris Sutton and Jon McClure

    Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

    For week 17, he takes on Reverend & the Makers singer Jon McClure.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-1

    It is always hard to back against Brentford at home, but Nottingham Forest are a cagey and clever away team.

    Forest's record on the road is the third-best in the top flight this season and watching them makes me think they can get something here.

    Brentford have played in midweek, losing to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, and I wonder if that might affect them.

    I am not saying the Bees' bubble will burst but Forest are always dangerous, so I am going with another draw.

    McClure's prediction: 2-2

    I can see goals in this one. Brentford manager Thomas Frank deserves a shot at a big club because he is super-good, and they have got a bunch of players who I think are very under-rated.

    Equally, though, Forest are flying and Chris Wood is having a brilliant season. He gives me hope as a big man. If a big lump like him can knock them in then maybe I can too.

    Read the full predictions and have your say

  6. Frank on injuries, a busy week and 'massive respect' for Forestpublished at 19:35 19 December 2024

    Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Sepp van den Berg is likely to miss Saturday's game with a "minor groin injury", while he "does not know the full picture" on Ethan Pinnock's hamstring injury sustained early in Wednesday's Carabao Cup loss at Newcastle.

    • However, Frank confirmed midfielder Christian Norgaard will return to the starting line-up against Forest.

    • The Bees boss said he has "no complaints" about the tight turnaround of matches in league and cup this week, saying the club "managed quite well" when they experienced similar runs during their time in the Championship.

    • On this week's three games, he said: "I got all the information and knowledge on how I could pick a team that could compete on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday. We always take things game-by-game, but on Sunday we did have in the back of our mind about how we could prepare in the best way [for the next games]. Three days later, we lost three players. So that balance of having enough players to compete in every competition is something we need to get."

    • Frank said fourth-placed Forest are a team he "respects massively" and believes their top scorer Chris Wood is "probably playing some of the best football of his life".

    Read a recap of Thursday's football news

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  7. Newcastle 3-1 Brentford - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:54 19 December 2024

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    Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates with his teammates after scoring his and their second goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford.Image source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final between Newcastle and Brentford.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Newcastle fans

    Howard: Newcastle United played really well and thoroughly deserved the win. I thought Sandro Tonali was man of the match with Bruno Guimaraes a close second. Anthony Gordon is now playing consistently well. A good game and by far the best team won.

    Euan: Second great performance of the week. We dominated midfield with Tonali looking so classy in that number-six role. How good were his two goals? Howe finally has the balance right with this midfield and it's showing. Bring on the semis! I fancy us against anyone over two legs.

    Simon: This game was on par with the Liverpool game - it had determination, passion and creativity. Every player was brilliant and professional. Shame about the bookings and losing Fabian Schar and Bruno but you cant have it all!

    Wardy: Much better again. The hunger and intensity were there and we looked balanced. I'd like to see Alexander Isak being more proactive when the team presses but overall, it gives us hope that we can finally kick on.

    Brentford fans

    Jay: It's cost me the best part of £500 including travel and overnight stay. We were promised a really strong team. It's our third top level quarter final in my 47 years as a supporter and the management is more worried about three points on Saturday. What is the point?

    Peter: Disjointed and lacking in any real belief that they could win with the side Thomas Frank put out. Sometimes it is hard to know exactly where he is trying to go with his tactics.

    Paul: So poor away from home yet again. Some of Frank's decisions seem strange to me but then I'm not a manager. All along he's said we'll go strong in the cup and then changes so much. We're a real Jekyll-and-Hyde side: when we're good, we're reallygood but when we're bad, we're really bad.

    Namish: The starting line-up was far too weak, even after Frank promised a strong team. Not starting Bryan Mbuemo or Mikkel Damsgaard harmed us, coupled with Ethan Pinnock's injury, and we never had a chance

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  8. 'We gave two bad goals away' - Frankpublished at 22:36 18 December 2024

    Thomas Frank looks onImage source, Getty Images

    Brentford boss Thomas Frank, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "It sounds a bit crazy maybe but, beside the two goals in the first half, they had nothing.

    "In these cup games you need to try to stay in the tie and hopefully be better in the second half, but we gave two bad goals away and then the third one too.

    "Our goal for 3-1 was a beautiful goal, so now imagine if it was only 2-1. The pressure builds in the last four or five minutes and you never know what can happen.

    "That is the irritating part but it is what it is. "

  9. Frank on fixture turnaround, 'favourites' Newcastle and being 'on it'published at 16:10 17 December 2024

    Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup game against Newcastle (kick-off 19:45 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • On team news - "everyone is available from the Chelsea game" - Thiago "has trained and it's positive - I'll make an assessment on Wednesday."

    • Paris Maghoma had a minor injury but "is ready again."

    • He said Brentford "will be absolutely on it" and reiterated that he will be fielding a "really, really strong team," despite the Bees facing three games in seven days.

    • On the schedule he said: "Us and Crystal Palace are the only teams in the quarter finals that have to play three games in six days, the other six teams, the bigger clubs - are playing in eight or nine days, which might be a coincidence? Maybe the EFL or Premier League can answer that."

    • He also said the club tried to change the date of this Saturday's fixture at home against Nottingham Forest to the Sunday, "but they were not willing to help with the short turnaround - it is what it is."

    • He admitted Newcastle "are the favourites, but we fancy ourselves." Also adding that they have "top players and are well-coached - I'm pretty sure we'll know what they'll come with, and I'm also pretty sure Eddie and his team will know what we'll come with."

    • After beating the Magpies 4-2 less than two weeks ago he said tomorrow's game "will be completely different. We will face a team that will come flying out for a late kick-off under the lights. They will take no prisoners and will go after us - but we are ready."

    • On what will decide the game: "I'm convinced we'll score - it's just if we're good enough defensively."

    Follow all of Tuesday's Carabao Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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  10. Encouraging signs as the hunt for the first away win continuespublished at 08:58 17 December 2024

    Ian Westbrook
    Fan writer

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    Bryan Mbuemo playing for Brentford Image source, Getty Images

    Frustrating but encouraging is my verdict on Brentford's first Premier League defeat at Chelsea.

    While there is no doubt the in-form Blues dominated the match and deserved to win, I still feel that we could have got something out of it.

    This was very different to some of this season's other away performances - from which we have only a single point.

    There was a defensive determination about us, which, for example, was missing in the first half of the recent defeat at Aston Villa. One major reason was the reassuring presence of captain Christian Norgaard in midfield.

    But we also changed to a 3-5-2 formation and doggedly stuck to our task of repelling wave after wave of Chelsea attacks before the break.

    We grew into the game in the second half and for a spell had the Blues rattled - creating two good chances to equalise.

    Having not taken them, we then went on to concede the crucial second goal - but with Bryan Mbeumo's late reply, there is no doubt Chelsea were on edge during the seven minutes of stoppage time.

    We did ourselves proud, and that elusive first Premier League away win will come soon if we continue to play like this.

    The display will give us confidence for arguably our biggest game of the season so far - Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final at Newcastle.

    Thomas Frank has always taken the cup competitions seriously and has spoken before about wanting to go deep in them and ultimately win a trophy for the club.

    What an achievement it would be to follow up last weekend's Premier League win over the Magpies with victory at St James' Park.

    Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  11. Chelsea 2-1 Brentford - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:59 16 December 2024

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    Jadon Sancho of Chelsea is challenged by Ethan Pinnock of Brentford during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brentford FC at Stamford BridgeImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Brentford.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Chelsea fans:

    Dan: Fantastic performance for 89 minutes. Again, concentration cost Chelsea a clean sheet. What I don't get, though, is the red card. Cucurella just needs to walk away. He's got what he has come for and he goes and gets a red card for getting into a silly pushing game against a Brentford player. That could be costly to Chelsea's title-chasing ambitions. By the way, we aren't in the title race. We are just making things interesting.

    David: Young team, they simply need a calm head out there and the message from Maresca to kill off games, rather than sending seven to score with five minutes left. Good performance against a very tricky team.

    Mathew: Really happy to get the win at home. We played really well. I'm happy to see Cucurella and Jackson score but it's just a shame we couldn't keep a clean sheet. It's also good to end our poor streak against Brentford. Really good to see Tyrique George, Josh Acheampong and Samuel Rak-Sakyi in the matchday squad - hopefully they start on Thursday.

    Brentford fans:

    Mahir: Really tough team to break down... with 11 of them behind the halfway line. Good luck to them playing that way.

    Benedict: Still don't understand how we are so poor away. Admittedly it's against top two side in Chelsea but we remain unbeaten at home. Don't know what the mindset is with the players at this stage in the season.

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  12. 'Hard to fall asleep tonight'published at 21:50 15 December 2024

    Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea battles for possession with Christian Norgaard of Brentford during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brentford FC at Stamford BridgeImage source, Getty Images

    Brentford captain Christian Norgaard speaking after the loss: "Of course it's disappointing but we didn't give up. We created chaos at the end."

    On his chance: "It makes it hard to fall asleep tonight. You think I should have done this. It's one of them where you wish you could turn back time and do it differently.

    "Chelsea away is never going to be an easy game. It wasn't the likely one to change our away form but it will come. It's not on our minds. We're in a good position."

  13. 'They are right up there in the title race'published at 21:36 15 December 2024

    Thomas Frank, Manager of Brentford, gives the team instructions during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brentford FC at Stamford BridgeImage source, Getty Images

    Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been speaking following today's defeat: "We played a very good game here. We were unlucky not to get a draw. Some big chances we missed in the end.

    "We managed for the 90 minutes to go toe to toe with Chelsea, especially in the second half. A draw would have been fair.

    "Chelsea are a very good team, well coached, very good players. They spent a few quid on the squad. They're playing with confidence. Credit to them for pushing us back in the first half.

    "Second half we were more aggressive and played higher. You could see how much trouble we caused them by how much they celebrated 2-0 and at the time.

    "They are right up there in the title race. They're very good.

    "It was a very competitive game with two teams who wanted to win. It can get heated."