Andrews demands improvement from reverse fixture ahead of Tottenham meeting | OneFootball

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has demanded an improvement from his side when Tottenham Hotspur come to Gtech Community Stadium on New Year's Day (8pm kick-off GMT, live on Sky Sports), after a disappointing defeat in the reverse fixture in north London.

The Bees were beaten 2-0 by Thomas Frank's side at the start of December, and Andrews is insistent that the west Londoners "have to perform better" this time around.

"The close proximity of the two games means it's a nice opportunity to face them again and, more importantly, perform better," said Andrews.

"In that game, we didn't hit the heights that we had previously done in the majority of our other games.

"They're a difficult opponent, clearly. They have very talented individuals with really good attributes that can nullify certain strengths that teams have.

"We need to perform individually and collectively better than we did on that day; I've spoken about it publicly and privately. We need to own that and take absolute responsibility for it.

"We know what type of game it will be against Spurs, it will be very difficult. So we'll have to perform better."

Andrews also praised Kevin Schade - after his hat-trick against Bournemouth in the last game - and Mathias Jensen, who have both been in good form of late, ahead of the clash on 1 January.

On Schade, first, the Bees boss said: "He's crucial to this team. He's grown since he's been at the club.

"We saw it last season, when he got into the flow and rhythm of his game, he relished the consistency of his selection, and his confidence grew from there.

"The attributes that he has, along with the calmness he showed for that perfect hat-trick, show what he's about.

"It was a brilliant performance from him."

Discussing Jensen, Andrews added: "I've been impressed with him ever since I came to the club. I've been quick to recognise his attributes, on and off the pitch.

"It's not just his experience of the Premier League and this football club - what it means to play here and how it ticks.

"But I've always been keen to praise Mathi and recognise what goes on behind the scenes, which not everyone is privy to.

"And his performance levels have been very, very good. He made an impact off the bench before this run of starts, and I tend to think that if you do that consistently then you'll get your reward, and he's got just that."