The Daly Brief | Spurs vs Brentford, Premier League | OneFootball

"Direct play, dangerous long throws, a prolific striker and smart signings make Brentford a threat. What changes will Thomas Frank make against his old club?"

Rob Daly, official club commentator, presenter and pundit

Brentford's new era...

Keith Andrews has kept many of Brentford’s fundamentals the same, and they remain flexible in terms of shape, using a 3-5-2 on Wednesday against Arsenal, switching up from their more regular 4-2-3-1. Last season Brentford averaged 48% possession under Thomas Frank, while that figure is closer to 43% now – but stats around goals scored, goals conceded and long passes remain similar. The Bees are direct and look to play quickly up to their front three, while passes from Mikkel Damsgaard, in the 10 position, can slice open opposition defences as well. "The one thing we have got is individual brilliance," explained Andrews, praising the club’s impressive recruitment hit-rate, "players capable of moments.”

Long throw threat...

Expect Michael Kayode to start – a player armed with, perhaps, the most dangerous long throw in the Premier League. The defender joined in January and, by the season’s end, was Frank’s starting right-back, showcasing his ability to launch the ball into the box too. In 25/26 so far, no player has used more long throws – while the Bees have scored from them against Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle thanks to Kayode’s pacey, low-flight delivery. As a result, the Italy Under-21 international ranks second amongst Premier League defenders for chances created (17).

Igor beats Ivan's record...

Only Erling Haaland (15) has scored more league goals than Igor Thiago (11) and, like the Norwegian, his physicality, hold-up ability and running power has top defenders troubled. Injury caused him to miss 30 Premier League matches last season after a summer 2024 move from Club Bruges. Despite that tough start, Thiago’s now on fire and his brace in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Burnley saw him become the fastest Brentford player to 10+ Premier League goals, beating an Ivan Toney record. Those numbers have been needed, given two big departures...

Replacing a captain and two goalscorers...

Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa left for Manchester United and Newcastle respectively in the summer – scorers of 39 league goals between them in 24/25. Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara, with three goals each, may not reach those numbers but provide devastating pace on the counter too. Christian Norgaard has gone but Jordan Henderson adds defensive midfield cover and experience alongside either Mathias Jensen or Yehor Yarmolyuk. Should Spurs be awarded a first penalty in the league this season, note that new goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, over the past two seasons, has saved kicks from Kylian Mbappe, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Switch up from St. James'...

With Micky van de Ven on the bench for the first time this season in the Premier League at Newcastle, one imagines he’ll come in alongside two-goal hero Cristian Romero. Into midfield, Joao Palhinha wasn’t involved that game, so could replace Rodrigo Bentancur, while Thomas Frank and his staff will assess if the craft of Xavi Simons in the 10 position may be needed against a resolute Brentford. Randal Kolo Muani is hitting his stride but has started three matches in a row – so will he be rotated out for one of Richarlison or Mathys Tel? Meanwhile, Brentford should have fresh legs in Igor Thiago, Mikkel Damsgaard, Nathan Collins and Jordan Henderson - only used as subs at Arsenal.

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