Back-to-back games against Manchester United and Manchester City have highlighted the paradox that could come to define Brentford’s campaign: a forward line that is ruthlessly efficient but struggling to function as a collective.
Igor Thiago’s finishing is among the sharpest in the Premier League. The Brazilian has already scored four goals from just five shots on target this season, his brace against United in 20 minutes proving his credentials as a poacher of the highest order. In that respect, he fits the profile of Brentford strikers before him, with Yoane Wissa boasting one of the league’s best conversion rates last year.
But as the defeat to City showed, efficiency alone cannot carry a side. Thiago had only 18 touches in 68 minutes, with just one inside the penalty area. He managed six completed passes from 11 attempts, and when Brentford needed an outlet to relieve pressure, he struggled to offer the focal point required. It leaves a sense that every touch he takes has to be decisive – a burden that is proving unsustainable.
New-look attack lacks rhythm
Brentford’s attacking model has long been defined by patience. Last season they had the shortest average shot distance in the Premier League, reflecting their commitment to waiting for high-quality chances rather than peppering the goal. Thomas Frank perfected that method, with Bryan Mbeumo and Wissa key to executing it.
Now, under Keith Andrews, that front line has been reshaped. Kevin Schade has been elevated to a central role following his Germany call-up, while record signing Dango Ouattara is still finding his feet after being rotated in and out. The pair are tasked with sharing the scoring load with Thiago – but so far, neither has consistently delivered.
Schade has just one goal this season, while Ouattara has struggled for rhythm. Without Mbeumo and Wissa’s telepathic understanding, Brentford’s frontline has looked raw and disconnected. The consequence is Thiago often appearing isolated, starved of the service he needs to showcase his penalty-box instincts.
Glimpses of Andrews’ blueprint
There have been moments to suggest Andrews’ vision can work. Against United, Thiago’s hold-up play brought Schade into action, with the German racing past Harry Maguire to cross for his strike partner to finish.
Afterwards, Andrews highlighted Thiago’s importance:
“He gives us that base to be able to bring players into play. If teams press us effectively and aggressively, we know we can miss that, play to Thiago, and players can join in off the back of it. With Dango and Kev, we’ve got real pace to get in behind teams.” — Keith Andrews
That passage encapsulated the balance Andrews wants: Thiago as a presence, Schade exploiting space, and Ouattara stretching defences. The issue is that such sequences have been rare, not yet ingrained as regular patterns of play.
Henderson’s influence not enough
Jordan Henderson’s arrival has added a new dynamic, his sweeping passes setting up goals for both Schade and Thiago. Yet even with the veteran’s distribution, Brentford lack variety in their build-up. Opposition sides have found it too easy to cut off supply lines, stifling attacks and isolating the striker.
The question now is whether Andrews can accelerate chemistry between his forwards. The trio of Thiago, Schade and Ouattara simply have not played enough together to develop the fluency that made Brentford so effective last year. Until that happens, the Bees risk being undone by the very efficiency they pride themselves on.
Analyst verdict: a transitional attack
FootballPlace analyst John William argues Brentford are caught in an awkward phase:
“Efficiency was Brentford’s calling card under Thomas Frank, but without the chemistry of Mbeumo and Wissa, it looks more like predictability. Thiago is an elite finisher, but if he doesn’t receive the ball in dangerous areas, that efficiency is wasted. Andrews needs to fast-track partnerships or Brentford could slip backwards this season.”
Key insights
- Igor Thiago has scored 4 goals from 5 shots on target this season.
- Brentford lack attacking rhythm with Schade and Ouattara still adapting.
- Against Man City, Thiago had only one touch in the box and struggled to link play.
- Jordan Henderson’s long passes have helped, but variety is missing in attack.
- Andrews’ new system is still bedding in after Wissa and Mbeumo departures.
What’s next for Brentford?
Brentford face a run of fixtures against sides outside the traditional ‘Big Six’, offering a chance to build momentum. For Andrews, the priority will be developing understanding between his front three so that Thiago’s finishing power is complemented by greater creativity and support.
If the Bees can rediscover their collective rhythm, they will remain one of the league’s trickiest sides. Fail to do so, and they risk becoming victims of their own efficiency – dangerous only when everything aligns perfectly, but too often blunted when it matters most.
👉 Can Keith Andrews build an attack that makes Brentford more than just efficient finishers?
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