Andrews’ tactical change pays off for Brentford
Keith Andrews felt changing to a back four was the key to his Brentford side’s 3-1 win against Manchester United.
The Bees began with five defenders in recent games against west London rivals Chelsea and Fulham, and were underwhelming in their 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage last weekend.
But they started with conviction against United, as Igor Thiago scored twice early on before substitute Mathias Jensen sealed the win in stoppage time.
United boss Ruben Amorim admitted that his players were unable to prevent Brentford from playing ‘the game they wanted to play’
Andrews said: “Going with a back four gave us a better base with the ball – better passing opportunities, fluidity in midfield with (Mikkel) Damsgaard and (Yehor) Yarmoliuk dovetailing and Jordan (Henderson) trying to be a bit more secure.
“When you entice players on to you, they vacate space. With what we have at the top end of the pitch, we wanted to take advantage of that.
“We dovetailed nicely between playing with control and trying to hurt them.
“The courage and conviction of the players today was really good right from the off, both with and without the ball.”
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saved a second-half penalty from Bruno Fernandes that would have levelled the score, but it was Thiago who proved to be the hero for Brentford.
The striker notched his fourth and fifth goals of the season, lashing into the net after beating the United offside trap and then bundling over the line from close range.
They were Thiago’s first Brentford goals at the Gtech Community Stadium following a series of injury problems last season, and boss Andrews was delighted with his all-round game.
Andrews said: “Selfless would be the first thing that springs to mind. He always puts the team first, sometimes to the detriment of his own performance.
“He’s such a team player. He’s getting real rhythm and confidence in his game now and showing what he’s all about and why the football club brought him here.
“He was a big part of our dressing room last year with the type of character he is. (He is a) very positive individual.
“He’s a centre forward and he wants to score goals.”
