Brentford

Sin bins? Bonus points? Two goals if you score from distance?

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Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It was another great afternoon at Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.

So-called "relegation favourites" Brentford have now deservedly beaten Champions League sides Liverpool and Newcastle, Europa League team Aston Villa and arguably the biggest club in the country Manchester United at home.

We've also drawn with world champions Chelsea there.

After a sluggish first half, which was not much better than the previous week's display at Crystal Palace, in the second period the intensity was back as we took the game to the Magpies.

We showed we are about more than just long throws as we caused them plenty of problems, forcing Dan Burn into rash tackles which earned him a red card.

Igor Thiago once again grabbed the headlines with his double. He did brilliantly to ignore the fuss during a seven-minute wait to take his penalty to coolly give us the lead.

If only he'd been allowed to take the penalty at Sunderland in August, we could be even higher up the table.

However, despite all this he still was not my Bees man of the match.

That once again was Michael Kayode. Newcastle were the latest team who could not cope with his rampaging runs or his throws.

But these things are all a bonus on top of his primary job of defending. Kayode is not often beaten by wingers but when he is, his powers of making a recovery tackle are excellent.

He times all his tackles brilliantly, makes great blocks and clearances and has extraordinary energy levels - shown particularly by the amount of times he crosses from wing to wing to take throws.

Sunday's win means that we have exactly the same record after 11 games as we did last season - five wins, one draw and five defeats with a zero goal difference.

It is also the first time this season we have gone into the international break on the back of a win.

Happy days!

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

A number of current and former Premier League club sporting directors have featured in the top 10 of a study ranking the value they have added to their club's squad from incoming transfers.

Departed Manchester City executive Txiki Begiristain came out top, while ex-Crystal Palace director Dougie Freedman, Newcastle's Ross Wilson and Brentford's Phil Giles also ranked inside the top 10 in the review carried out by industry advisors Transfer Room.

Freedman, who left Crystal Palace for a position in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, placed third in the study - behind Begiristain and Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung.

The Scot, who was responsible for the signings of Eberechi Eze, Michael Elise, Marc Guehi, Daniel Munoz, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton among others, added a net value of €374m (£328m) to the Eagles' roster from the €436m (£382m) spent on 29 transfers.

Current Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson placed in fifth, adding a net value of €319m (£280m) from a €366m (£321m) investment on 36 transfers during spells with Nottingham Forest and Rangers.

Brentford's sporting director Phil Giles, who played a key role in the signings of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoann Wissa and Ollie Watkins for the west London club, ranked seventh - adding a net value of €300m (£263m) to their squad following an investment of €114m (£100m) on 20 players.

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

Here are some of your comments:

David: We're really turning the Gtech into a bit of a fortress. Even being one goal down, we kept our shape and Andrew's kept to his game plan. A good all-round professional performance. The subs saw the game out and it's always good to go out on a high before an international break.

Saan: A very well organised win from the Bees. We were better than Newcastle in almost every aspect, and the eventual scoreline reflected that. Front three looked very good, and solid in defence mostly.

Ian: Brentford are proving the pundits wrong time and time again. IgorThiago was a monster, as was Jordan Henderson. Henderson's experience and influence is spreading throughout the team and getting results. Six home matches, four wins and a draw, only losing to Manchester City. Well done Keith Andrews and team.

Mark: A classic game of two halves. Shaky in the first half dealing with a very physical Newcastle side but dominant in the second half. Kayode, Ouattara and Thiago were excellent but the whole team put in a fantastic shift resulting in another great result.

Phil: A really heartwarming performance we didn't let our heads go down after conceding first. Real passion and commitment and Thiago is on fire!

Image source, Getty Images

Currently uncapped by Brazil, Igor Thiago's form at Brentford must mean he is on the radar of Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti - but the 24-year-old is also eligible to play for Bulgaria.

Thiago turned down the opportunity to represent Brazil at under-23 level in an attempt to keep his international options open.

He has previously expressed a desire to represent the Selecao, external, telling the Daily Mail: "I've always dreamed of being able to play for Brazil.

"I always ask God that when he takes me to the national team, I don't want to go just for the sake of it. When I get there, I want to stay."

But competition in attack for Ancelotti's side is incredibly high - with Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Raphinha among the options.

Other names in the frame include Willian Estevao, Richarlison, Matheus Cunha and Joao Pedro, who are all playing in the Premier League.

But with nine goals across all competitions this season - more than of the other players mentioned - Thiago could become impossible for Ancelotti to ignore.

His match-winning double against Newcastle on Sunday took the forward to eight Premier League goals for the 2025-26 campaign - just one short of Brazil's called-up strikers combined.

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Aston Villa 4-0 Bournemouth

• Brentford 3-1 Newcastle

• Crystal Palace 0-0 Brighton

• Nottingham Forest 3-1 Leeds

• Man City 3-0 Liverpool

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle's players will have been well-briefed about Brentford's threat from long throws, as well as keeping a very close eye on Thiago.

But this battling Brentford side are a force on home soil, having already defeated champions Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa this season, with Manchester City the only team to win at the Gtech so far.

There was no undue panic from Brentford when they went behind and, crucially, the the hosts did not let brittle Newcastle settle into the game after the break - instead going at them from the restart.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews aimed to "imprint our gameplan on them to make it the type of game we need it to be" - and that's exactly what his side did.

They bullied Newcastle's giants from Michael Kayode's long throw in the build-up to Schade's leveller. They did not get frustrated after Dango Ouattara's previous penalty appeal was waved away. And, in Igor Thiago, they have a striker capable of stepping up in the big moments as he did late on with his eighth and ninth goals of the season - all but one of them in the league.

By the time Thiago made it 3-1, Brentford fans felt assured enough to ask their former forward Yoane Wissa, who pushed for a move to Newcastle, what the score was.

This was another memorable home victory to add to a growing list.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews speaking to BBC Sport after their 3-1 victory over Newcastle: "We had to react to going a goal down and we edged the first half. We didn't want to chase it in the second half, and we looked more calm in and out of possession. Ultimately, I felt we were relentless."

On the VAR calls: "I have come in pretty quick, but the one thing I will say is the officials have a tough task on their hands. Ultimately, we got the result that we deserve so that's the biggest thing in my head."

On Brentford's home form: "We want to make it an uncomfortable place to come and we did that today. You have to fight and respect the opposition. I think we are doing that really well at the moment."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Brentford's performance

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Aaron Hickey returns for Brentford as manager Keith Andrews makes one change for the visit of Newcastle United.

The Scot makes his first appearance in over a month after recovering from a knee injury he suffered on international duty last month.

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Hickey, van den Berg, Collins, Kayode, Henderson, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard, Schade, Thiago, Ouattara

Subs: Valdimarsson, Henry, Pinnock, Jensen, Nelson, Carvalho, Onyeka, Lewis-Potter, Janelt

Newcastle forward Jacob Murphy comes into the starting line-up in place of the absent Anthony Gordon.

Gordon, who has been called up for England's internationals against Serbia and Albania, misses out completely with a hip issue as head coach Eddie Howe makes one change from the team who defeated Athletic Club in the Champions League midweek.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes

Subs: Ramsdale, Hall, Schar, Lascelles, Krafth, Elanga, Willock, Ramsey, Miley

There are five games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Brentford v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Crystal Palace v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Nottingham Forest v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Liverpool (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction from the 14:00 games here

And go here for Man City v Liverpool

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Aston Villa v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Liverpool", for instance.

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I didn't recognise Newcastle when I watched them lose at West Ham United last weekend.

They were better when they beat Athletic Club at St James' Park in the Champions League in midweek, but their away form - or lack of it - must be a concern for boss Eddie Howe.

They are still solid defensively, most of the time, but scoring goals seems a particular problem for them when they are on the road. I can see why from watching that West Ham game because they just didn't work the goalkeeper enough.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews is happy to set his side up to play on the counter-attack, even when they are at home, and I can see Newcastle struggling to break them down too.

I've gone for a few draws already this week, but this game smells of another one to me.

Sutton's prediction: 0-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford were tipped to struggle by some pundits this season, but sit a point ahead of Newcastle prior to their clash on Sunday (14:00 GMT). BBC Sport looks at some of the key talking points surrounding this game.

Goals galore

When these two meet there are always goals and it should come as no surprise that Brentford won 5-2 in their first-ever meeting with Newcastle in 1934.

The emphatic victory for the Bees at St James' Park helped Harry Curtis's side clinch the old Second Division title that season and the result set the tone for years to come.

No Premier League fixture that has been played at least eight times has produced more goals than this one. A total of 33 have been scored across the past eight top-flight meetings between the clubs at an average of 4.1 per game.

Striker Igor Thiago is responsible for six Premier League strikes for Brentford this season, with three of those coming in his past three top-flight home appearances.

Brentford's Brazilian top scorer has commanded a lot of attention for his recent performances, but Kevin Schade's excellent form also hasn't gone unnoticed and he has earned a recall to Germany's squad for the forthcoming international break. His last cap came more than a year ago.

Both of Schade's league goals this season have come at the Gtech Community Stadium and he scored in Brentford's last home fixture – a 3-2 win over defending champions Liverpool.

Travel-sick Newcastle

Newcastle's only away win this season was an emphatic one in the Champions League against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.

Their impressive 4-0 victory in Brussels at the start of October appeared a turning point, but they have lost at both Brighton and West Ham in the league since.

Defeat on Sunday would be the first time they have suffered three successive away losses in the top flight since a run of five between November 2023 and January 2024.

"For whatever reason we have not been winning the games away from home that we should have," said Howe this week. "Now we're sort of caught in that trap where it's becoming a topic of conversation and we're probably becoming more aware of it."

The Magpies are in fact winless in their past eight away Premier League matches (D4, L4) – a run dating back seven months – and they've failed to score more than once in any of those fixtures.

No European hangover

One major positive for Howe's men is that they are yet to lose a domestic fixture that directly follows a Champions League match this season.

The Magpies are flying high in Europe after three wins from a possible four and they appear to be carrying that continental form into the league.

Image source, Getty Images

England boss Thomas Tuchel has named his 25-man squad for the final time this year ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

The Three Lions have already secured qualification.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Newcastle United at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news: "I've just seen Antoni Milambo around an hour ago, he's on crutches but looks good. The operation went well so we'll look after Antoni and make sure he gets up to speed, and really integrate him into the football club, which we're big on. Josh Dasilva is back on the grass and he's doing pretty well."

• Andrews is eager to see Brentford rediscover the form they displayed in strong performances against Liverpool and West Ham. He acknowledged that "styles of play and game plans" would influence how the team approaches upcoming matches but emphasised that "some of the performances were very good" and that he is "really happy with the way the team is growing and developing".

• On Jordan Henderson: "He's been brilliant, he's clearly done a bit in the game and when our captain left this summer to go to Arsenal, we were quick to highlight that somebody that could come in and make an immediate impact, that had experience of the league, know-how, and when Jordan's name came known to me that he was available, did the due diligence on that and since coming he has grown in stature and his role within the group."

• Andrews also praised Henderson's professionalism and willingness to adjust to the club's demands, highlighting his ability to adapt given "what he's achieved in the game". The manager noted that the "shift of mentality" in what Brentford are aiming to achieve is "very different to former clubs," and commended Henderson for embracing that change.

• On Yoane Wissa not featuring for Newcastle this weekend: "Wissa is a very good player, so I am not too displeased that he is not going to be available because it's the nature of competing against teams. Around the transfer window, I was glad when it was closed; it wasn't enjoyable for a lot of people, I would imagine. I think the nature of that deal in particular - there was a lot made around certain aspects of it. Ultimately, they paid a really good fee for a player of a certain age, a really good player, but I think we as a club did pretty well out of that."

• The Brentford boss reiterated the importance of maintaining equilibrium when selecting his side, explaining that "you have to find the balance in rewarding players that are training very well and taking their opportunities, but you want to build connections". Andrews admitted that striking this balance remains one of the biggest challenges in establishing a settled starting XI.

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

With the countdown to the Celebrity Traitors final under way, we asked you which Brentford player or manager - past or present - would make the best traitor and faithful.

Here are some of your comments:

Chuck: Traitor? After his behaviour in the summer look no further than Yoane Wissa. By his own actions, he went from hero to zero in record time. Faithful must be Kevin O'Connor. An absolute rock of a player for Brentford over many years and now part of the coaching set-up. He is a shining example to any youngster hoping to make it in football.

Andre: Jordan Henderson would be excellent because he is really good about faking where he is going to pass or go with the ball. He would be a traitor.

Adam: The timing of your question is perfect as Brentford play Newcastle this weekend, which was meant to herald the return of the biggest traitor in recent memory - Yoane Wissa. Sadly, the pantomime season will not be starting early as it looks like he is still injured but I'm sure he will be left in no doubt what the Bees fans think of his summer antics. Kevin O'Connor has to be the most faithful with almost 30 years and counting at the club as player and coach.

Paul: This is too easy! Faithful - Bryan Mbeumo. Traitor - Yoane Wissa.

You can watch the final of The Celebrity Traitors live from 21:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer

Image source, BBC/Studio Lambert

Challenges. Leaders and followers. Tactics. Second guessing and wondering where to turn next.

This could be any game of football in the Premier League this weekend.

It is also the plot to any episode of BBC's hit show - The Traitors.

The countdown to the end game of the Celebrity series is on, but, while we wait for that, we want to know which Brentford player (or manager) - past or present - you think would make the best traitor, and who would be more suited to the role of a faithful.

Was it the way they could appear at the back post without anyone noticing? Or could they stop anybody getting past them?

Get in touch with your choices and the reasons why here

The Celebrity Traitors final will air on Thursday, 6 November on BBC One and iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on how Keith Andrews is doing after 10 games after our Brentford fan writer Ian Westbrook said this was the first junction at which he would start to judge the manager. You can read Ian's piece lower down this page.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: I think he has the teams' support. Interestingly we create chances against better teams. When a team like Palace allows us possession, I can see we have work to do.

Peter: Pleased with the progress, however the timing of the subs is concerning. At Crystal Palace this weekend he should have rung the changes earlier. Against Sunderland, I don't understand why he subbed the left full-back, who was player of the match at that point, when the defence was working well

Jane: I think Ian has got this about right. Not currently reaching the heights of a couple of our previous Premier League seasons but that's not surprising in the circumstances. We will always have ups and downs in performances and being mid-table a quarter into the season is a good place to be.

Ron: Worried about the away form. At home they nearly always look dangerous but away hardly ever look like scoring. Clean sheets few and far between. They need to tighten up in defence and gain consistency.

Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

I have always said I will judge Keith Andrews as Brentford head coach after 10 Premier League games.

We have now reached that landmark.

Several pundits wrote off Andrews immediately after he was appointed, but that was unfair, as nobody could have possibly known if he would be any good.

But he has Brentford safely in mid-table after 10 games and also into a cup quarter-final - so I think he has done a decent job so far.

He has had a huge amount to contend with. The loss of most of the coaching team, last year's two top scorers, our captain and first-choice goalkeeper in the summer would have derailed most people.

But despite all of that, Andrews has won more games than he has lost.

We were superb in home Premier League matches against Manchester United and Liverpool and good against Chelsea. We also played well at West Ham and at Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

Though, not everything has been perfect.

We were awful on the opening day at Nottingham Forest (although there were mitigating circumstances around the line-up) and terrible in the local derby at Fulham, where Andrews' decision not to change the formation when 3-1 down after 55 minutes was poor.

Our away form overall has been disappointing - with four defeats out of five, including Saturday's flat display at Crystal Palace.

With the exception of the West Ham, Liverpool and Grimsby games, we are creating few chances.

However, Andrews is learning as he goes and definitely seems to have the respect of the players.

The squad look as tight-knit as ever, with most goal celebrations now featuring the whole side in a huddle. Watching players and Andrews on the pitch after games, they look to have a tight bond.

Without getting carried away, especially after Saturday's flat display at Crystal Palace, his appointment could be another Matthew Benham/Phil Giles masterstroke.

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

How would you assess Andrews' start at Brentford at this 10-game junction? Tell us here

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Brentford at Selhurst Park.

Here are some of your replies:

Palace fans

Al: Solid and professional against a side who can be dangerous. A clean sheet and solid performances throughout. Four days to rest and then the European adventure continues. It feels good being a Palace supporter.

Stef: Palace pressure secured this game. Jefferson Lerma was the best I've seen him play and Brentford weren't allowed to get into any sort of rhythm. They have been a bogey team for us of late but they never really threatened us, despite having more possession. A very good result.

Michael: Lerma was incredible. He looks a different player with pace, accuracy and aggression. Where has he been hiding?

Jerry: Brentford don't make it easy for any team. We had to graft but a superb header from Jean-Philippe Mateta was what we needed. It wasn't the most fluid performance but it was certainly a professional one. It was our fourth game in two weeks so there were a few tired players in the last 20 minutes. It won't get any easier of course, but at this stage it's all about the results. We've had far too many draws against them in recent years, so this was very satisfying.

Brentford fans

Richard: The Bees were overwhelmed by Crystal Palace. We are in good company though, since no opposition has secured three points at Selhurst Park since February.

Paul: The Bees are a real 'Jekyll and Hyde' team at the moment. When they are good, they are good but when they are bad, they are really bad. Just when we thought we could be starting to become consistent, we throw in a performance like that! Toothless.

Joe: Watching from the stands, it looked a real lacklustre performance. Thiago looked isolated and so we never looked like scoring. Lots of little mistakes but hopefully we can learn and move on.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

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