Brentford Aim For Europe Again: What Needs To Change?

Last season saw Brentford get closer to European qualification than ever before, losing out on goal difference on the final day to Brighton. After proving that the foundations are there to compete at the top end of the table, further promising investment has been made in the squad this summer. However, if Brentford are to turn European dreams into reality, more than simply deepening the squad will be required.

The age-old opinion, but it always rings true. A string of 5 draws in a row between GW29 and GW33 against Bournemouth, Wolves, Leeds, Everton, and Fulham was what ended up being the downfall of an incredibly impressive season up until then. Heading into this 5-game period, Brentford occupied 7th place, had a comfortable points cushion on those around them, a superior goal difference on surrounding teams, and were coming off the back of 3 wins out of their last 5 games. Fast forward 5 matches, and they were still in 7th, but the gap had been fully closed, with a previous 6-point cushion over 11th reduced to just 2. This frustrating 5 games left confidence low for a team clearly running on fumes. Now looking perilously over their shoulder for the final 5 games, just one win came, resulting in missing out on the top 8 once again.

Heartbreaking, but deserved. Putting a finger on where it all unravelled is simple, really: it was that run of 5 draws, mostly against sides that top 8 teams should be taking maximum points from. To add insult to injury, Brentford had the superior xG against Wolves, Everton, and Fulham, yet failed to win. Not definitive, but indicative of the fact that more points could’ve been taken from this season-defining set of fixtures.

It isn't a case of failing to create opportunities to win; it’s more about having that ruthless instinct to convert 1 point into 3. If this was done even once in this punishing run of games, Europe would’ve been secured. Fine margins that fell just the wrong side of Brentford last season. With more brutality in such games, the dream could begin to take shape.

Last season it wasn’t uncommon to see Brentford pushed into a deep block, letting opponents play, and breaking dangerously on the counter. This worked to a degree, as Brentford scored the joint most counter-attacking goals in the Premier League last season (9). Alongside this, they completed the most accurate long balls per game (23.4), highlighting the direct nature of Andrews’ team. It worked. High-energy, exciting football.

However, this can be improved on and balanced out significantly. Calling it reliance would be unfair, but there is a clear style of play being adopted: utilise the quick break and spray passes long. As a result of this, Brentford lost possession the 2nd most times last season in the Premier League (5142) due to constantly looking to play the riskier ball. As teams begin to work out Brentford the longer Andrews’ tenure as head coach goes on, a shift may be needed towards diversifying the playing style. I don’t think it would be a bad thing, and it doesn’t need to be a huge shift.

Working towards playing through the phases more, keeping hold of the ball, and not allowing teams to come straight back onto the team would be beneficial in gaining control of games that have previously got away. Still retain aspects of the quick counter play, but have no fear in slowing down the game occasionally to allow some breathing room. This would alleviate pressure on the backline, allow a bolstered and creative midfield more possession to flex their muscle, and give the attackers more possession and feed to play with. This could be the difference between 8th and 9th.

Last season, Igor Thiago delivered 22 Premier League goals in what was an astonishing campaign for the Brazilian. A pleasure to watch every week, he accounted for 40% of Brentford’s goals last season - the biggest share from one player of any Premier League team last season.

What this tells us is, firstly, there is one hell of an attacking asset there, but secondly, a slight increase in attacking returns from those around him could bring huge gain to this Brentford team that are knocking on the European door once again.

After a strong pre-season from the Brazilian, there’s no reason why he can’t produce numbers of the same ilk again this campaign. Fantastic to see, but there’s a need for players around him to step up once again to give that final boost into the top 8.

I’m mostly thinking about Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara here, who will no doubt be their own biggest critics after last season. Good seasons, yes, but just giving that extra 10% each in the attacking areas could be the difference.

Realistically, we’re looking at just an increase of 5-10 more goals spread across the attacking forces here. Interestingly, Kevin Schade underperformed his xG by 4 goals last season, returning 8 goals from an expected 12. Should he turn the key this year and sharpen up in front of goal alongside Ouattara after good pre-seasons from the pair, it could unlock a huge amount of potential for the club and prove to be the difference between Europe and not.