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Southampton 0-5 Brentford: Key statspublished at 19:06 4 January
19:06 4 January
Image source, Getty Images
Brentford won their first Premier League away game of the season, ending their nine-game run without a win on the road (D2 L7).
This was the Bees' biggest winning margin in the competition and their biggest league win since April 2021 against Preston North End (5-0).
Bryan Mbeumo has scored in 10 Premier League matches for Brentford this season, with only Mohamed Salah (14) and Alexander Isak (11) netting across more games in the competition this term.
Yoane Wissa netted his 36th Premier League goal for Brentford, becoming the joint-top scorer for the Bees in the competition alongside Ivan Toney.
'Very, very close to perfection'published at 18:56 4 January
18:56 4 January
Image source, Getty Images
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the win at St Mary's: "That was very, very close to perfection. We gave nothing away throughout the 90 minutes, defended extremely well and then we created chance after chance after chance. It could have easily been more than five goals.
"I am extremely proud of this performance in many ways because Southampton are struggling a little bit.
"We haven't won away on the road, but the performance we put out there is fantastic and I think it speaks about the culture we have got in the changing room and among the players. The commitment, the focus, the attitude - wow."
On how his side creates chances: "We are always happy when the offensive players score goals because those are the ones who need to be reliable, and then other players need to chip in occasionally. But basically we played with five very offensive players.
"Keane Lewis-Potter, Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa scored, Bryan Mbeumo scored two. Mikkel Damsgaard created a lot of chances and opportunities, at least one assist today.
"We are very dangerous and we had a very good day."
On Mbeumo and Wissa's chemistry: "Some players can click on the pitch, but they have a very good relationship on and off the pitch. You can see that in a lot of the goals.
"Our group of players really like each other, work hard for each other and they care about each other - I think that's extremely important."
On how he will enjoy the win: "I think I will get a very good glass of red wine."
'We have been waiting for a while for our first away win'published at 18:43 4 January
18:43 4 January
Image source, Getty Images
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day about the win: "I think we, and the fans, have been waiting for a while for our first away win. We worked a lot for it and we are very happy."
"Today we have put in a good performance and we just worked really hard."
On trying to get his first Premier League hat-trick: "Of course. When you hit two goals, you always want to try and get a hat-trick - but I just keep working and it is going to come."
On how he is able to get the best out of himself: "It is mental. I just try to run hard and help my teammates and I think we are doing really well. I just want to help the team."
On his friendship with Yoane Wissa: "We have a really good relationship off the pitch and that's why maybe we perform well on the pitch."
Sutton's predictions: Southampton v Brentfordpublished at 11:19 4 January
11:19 4 January
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 20, he takes on The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe, who supports Liverpool.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
This is a tough one to call because while Southampton are adrift at the bottom and absolutely desperate for points, Brentford are not in great form either.
Saints' new boss Ivan Juric has been quite feisty since his appointment, and his side have only been narrowly beaten in both his games in charge.
It is noticeable how often Southampton like to lump it now under Juric, compared with their possession-based style of play under Russell Martin.
However, while it is also clear they will put up a fight I don't see much changing for them results-wise.
Brentford are a battle-hardened Premier League team, so a direct approach will not faze them, and they also have goals in their team.
The Bees are yet to win on the road this season and only picked up their first away point against Brighton last time out but, this time, I see them taking all three.
Who is most likely to be relegated?published at 17:54 3 January
17:54 3 January
As we enter a new calendar year and the halfway point of the season, the Opta Supercomputer has been busy making its predictions.
But who is looking most likely to be playing their football outside the top flight next season?
It is bad news for fans of the teams who made their return to the Premier League this campaign.
According to the Opta Supercomputer's simulations, Southampton - rooted to the bottom of the table on just six points - are all but guaranteed to be playing Championship football again next term with a 99.47% chance of being relegated.
The picture is also not a rosy one for Leicester City and Ipswich Town supporters, who occupy the other two relegation spots. The Supercomputer does not see too much change there - the Foxes and the Tractor Boys having a 74.61% and 70.81% chance of relegation respectively.
It is better news for Wolves under new head coach Vitor Pereira, with Wanderers now having only a 39.21% chance of a Championship return, while Everton fans will be pleased to see they have just a 12.52% chance as they hope to see Premier League football in their new stadium next season.
Crystal Palace, West Ham and Brentford can all breathe easier with Opta predicting just a 1.68%, 0.81% and 0.72% chance of relegation respectively.
And what about Manchester United after new boss Ruben Amorim declared them to be facing a relegation battle? Well, it is good news for Red Devils fans as the chance of them actually playing Championship football next campaign is just 0.11%.
Did you know?published at 09:11 3 January
09:11 3 January
Image source, Getty Images
Brentford scored 62 Premier League goals in 2024 but none of their first 10 goals were scored or assisted by Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa.
However, 33 of the other 52 goals in the calendar year featured either Mbeumo or Wissa involved in the goal (63%).
Frank on Carvalho, being 'proactive' in the transfer window and Southamptonpublished at 16:15 2 January
16:15 2 January
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Southampton (15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Mathias Jensen, Sepp van den Berg and Mark Flekken "came through well" in their returns from injury in Wednesday's loss to Arsenal and will all be available again for selection on Saturday.
However, Fabio Carvalho "has a minor groin injury" and will likely miss the visit to St Mary's. Frank had nothing extra to add on Brentford's longer-term absentees.
The Bees boss wants to take his side's first half performance against the Gunners into upcoming games: "Except for one moment where they equalised, we played the perfect half which I'm very pleased with. We pressed aggressively high [and] we defended very compact. We were very good on the ball [and] scored a fantastic goal. That was top."
On the challenge posed by the Saints: "I watched the two games under the new manager. They have changed a bit - they don't take so many risks in build up. There's a few tactical tweaks we need to be aware of. We need to bring our A-game and be unbelievably focused."
Frank believes more wins will come soon after just one in seven games: "We are halfway through the season and have 24 points which is a good foundation to stand on. The aim is to get more away from home but we need to look into performances. In the 19 games we have played, we had one bad 90 minutes. There have been spells but overall we have been good. If we keep those performances up, we will win games."
He believes the Bees will have their "eyes wide open" in the transfer window: "I expect us to be proactive as we always are, to be out there in the market. The injury situation is what it is - the medical staff are working very hard. It's not like we need some but let's see what is happening in the next three or four weeks if players are not turned around to be able to play."
Kev: Outplayed by a superior team. Compared to them we were weak at the back and created too few chances. Second half in particular completely impotent.
Ian: A game of fine margins. Some poor referee decisions and four goals. This game had it all. Brentford's season will not fall into obscurity as posted by a reporter after the game. Like all teams, Brentford have had their fair share of injuries but they get on with it. We will go again at St Mary's this Saturday.
AC: We have the most injuries in the league, and have had for about three months. So where we are in the table is fine. The defence needs strengthening so the collective level can be more easily maintained. The increase in quality provided by the summer signings is why we are not suffering like last season.
Peter: The first two goals we conceded were down to poor goalkeeping by Mark Flekken. When will Thomas Frank own up to the fact that he just isn't good enough for the Premier League? How many more games do we have to give away till the penny drops?
Arsenal fans
Tim: Comfortable victory and did not need to get out of first gear. Good to have Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli among the goals. Big performance from Thomas Partey and the ability to rotate is an added bonus.
Kevin: We showed pure grit. After the Brentford goal, everyone kept their nerve. They are one of the hardest teams to beat at home, so if we keep this level up, the title is in our reach.
Savs: Excellent result and decent performance considering Brentford's home record and them going one up. Thought we were a bit open in the first half but the second half reminded me of last season when we were relentless. Well played Martinelli and Partey (again).
Guy: Ethan Nwaneri is a very exciting prospect. He could be exactly what we need while Bukayo Saka is out injured. I don't think we will have enough to catch Liverpool but hopefully we can cement second again. I still think we need to buy a proper striker in January.
Bees' wait for home clean sheet continuespublished at 08:35 2 January
08:35 2 January
Image source, PA Media
Since the start of last season, Brentford have lost 47 points from winning positions in the Premier League (30 last season, 17 this) - at least 10 more than any other side.
The Bees are the only side yet to keep a clean sheet at home in the Premier League this season. They have gone 11 successive home league matches without a shutout for the first time since October 2007 (13).
Gossip: Bees monitor Hughespublished at 08:34 2 January
Brentford 1-3 Arsenal: What Frank saidpublished at 20:02 1 January
20:02 1 January
Image source, PA Media
Brentford boss Thomas Frank, speaking to TNT Sports: "I think we did a lot of things right and overall it was a good performance. The first half was extremely good and I liked the way we played - we were brave on the ball.
"We were brave under high pressure as well and overall I think we did well. The finest of margins we have to do better.
"We need to do better than one more goal. If you want to beat Arsenal we need to do everything right."
On Arsenal's set-piece threat: "I need to look more into it, but they are very good at it and it's something we need to learn from."
On the loss at home: "I think today we played a top team and you cannot expect to just beat Arsenal, but we did very well and that's the performance.
"Nottingham Forest was a bit different - I would have loved to have more from that game."
On Bryan Mbuemo possibly leaving Brentford: "Bryan was really good and I was really pleased with that.
"For me he shouldn't be a problem to hold."
Analysis: Brentford 1-3 Arsenalpublished at 19:46 1 January
19:46 1 January
Emma Smith BBC Sport journalist at Brentford Community Stadium
Image source, Reuters
Brentford are eight points off the Premier League's top five and nine above the relegation zone. Their season risks fading into obscurity.
That was what happened to them in this game - once Arsenal took the lead, the hosts never looked like getting back in the match.
While Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are enjoying individually impressive seasons, as a unit Brentford are flagging.
Since beating Newcastle 4-2 on 7 December, they have scored just twice and have lost back-to-back home matches.
Thomas Frank must now find a way to ensure that Brentford's season does not mirror their performance in this game - strong start, poor middle, lacklustre finish.
A salve could be their next two games coming against Southampton away then Plymouth at home in the FA Cup - the sides bottom of the top two divisions.
Brentford 1-3 Arsenal - send us your thoughtspublished at 19:26 1 January
Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies
'Get all of our players fit for at least one game in 2025'published at 12:47 1 January
12:47 1 January
We asked you to tell us what Brentford's New Year's resolution should be.
Here are some of your replies:
Rob: This year's resolution must be to get to the root cause of the injuries which take out so many of the squad players for so long. Is it the way we train, recover, warm up and warm down or our diet, training facilities, medical equipment and facilities? We desperately need to improve the frequency of injuries and the recovery periods. Thomas Frank needs a fit and game-ready team.
David: Add to the medical team, especially a specialist physio.
Steve: We need some fit full-backs and we need to understand why we have suffered so many injuries in the past two seasons. We should also take some time to reflect and enjoy the amazing job the whole club is doing - we are punching well above our weight.
Anna: To fix up Rico Henry and get him tearing down the left again. He was nearly back, had been involved in part of a training game and then was set back. We have been without an expert left-back for over a year now and he would have been pushing for an England call-up. We fans love him and I hope to see him back to his best. That's the dream for us all at Brentford.
Andrew: I'm in a state of deja vu from this time last year because we still need a specialist left-back, with the ongoing injury problems affecting Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey. We could even get Sergio Reguilon back on loan or, failing that, Ben Chilwell (if he is fit).
Tom: Get all of our players fit for at least one game in 2025.
Steven: We need to start winning away. If our away form was better, I think we could be challenging for the Europa League or Conference League.
2024 breakdown: Who takes the plaudits?published at 16:42 31 December 2024
16:42 31 December 2024
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
It has been another entertaining year in the Premier League, so with 2025 just a matter of hours away let's take a look at the clubs that have topped the charts.
Manchester City became history makers in 2024 as they sealed their fourth successive Premier League title in May and their sixth in seven seasons.
Pep Guardiola's possession based football continued to dominate as they maintained the ball for an average of 64.5% per game and had a 90.6% passing accuracy over the year.
Brighton were the closest to matching their accuracy at 87.5% and Ange Postecoglou's similar high-risk football saw Tottenham retain 61.3% possession.
Under Jurgen Klopp and new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool scored 92 goals in 2024 which is three more than Arsenal and nine greater than City.
The Reds registered 741 shots in total, which is a stark contrast to Leicester City who recorded the least with 170. Albeit that is only since their promotion back to the top-flight in the summer.
Of those shots, 286 of Liverpool's were on target. But it is Thomas Frank's Brentford that have proven to be the most clinical.
The Bees had a conversion rare of 15.3% after scoring 62 goals in the Premier League. Yoane Wissa found the back of the net 17 times, while Bryan Mbuemo registered 12 goals.
From goal scoring to conceding - West Ham turned over the most goals with 79.
They should look to North London for tips on how to tighten up their defence as Arsenal proved to be the most solid across all aspects of their back line.
The Gunners conceded just 25 goals across the course of the year and kept an impressive 18 clean sheets.
Sean Dyche's Everton, renowned for being stubborn to break down, kept 14 clean sheets despite only winning eight of their 36 games.
Image source, Getty Images
