Why Jaidon Anthony could transform Brentford’s squad depth

Jaidon Anthony's impressive start at Brentford could represent an important new chapter for Keith Andrews' squad as the Bees attempt to turn last season's near miss in Europe into a sustained challenge this time around.

The summer signing from Burnley produced three assists in Brentford's 6-1 Carabao Cup victory over Birmingham City, strengthening his case for Premier League minutes after being handed his first start for the club.

Anthony's arrival is particularly significant because squad depth proved one of Brentford's weaknesses last season. Andrews now believes there are fine margins between his regular starters and those pushing them for places.

Brentford made several changes from the side that had beaten Tottenham 3-0 in the Premier League, but their performance at Birmingham demonstrated the options Andrews now has available.

“There is a huge narrative around cup games with coaches making changes, but with the squad we have, there are fine margins between who plays and doesn't play,” Andrews said.

That represents an important development for a team that came agonisingly close to European qualification last season.

Brentford continually exceeded expectations but lacked sufficient impact from their substitutes. Only Manchester City scored fewer goals from the bench than the Bees' total of three.

Addressing that weakness became a priority during the summer.

Brentford responded by adding Anthony and experienced striker Callum Wilson, who joined from West Ham.

Both made their first starts against Birmingham and immediately contributed.

Wilson opened the scoring after only six minutes, while Anthony became the standout performer by registering a hat-trick of assists.

All three came from deliveries from the right, demonstrating the efficiency and creativity Brentford hope Anthony can bring throughout the season.

The 26-year-old created four chances, completed three dribbles and registered seven touches inside the opposition penalty area – leading the match in all three categories.

He could also have recorded another assist had Jannik Schuster converted one of his deliveries.

Anthony's importance extends beyond providing Andrews with another attacking option.

Last season Brentford struggled to generate genuine competition through Reiss Nelson, whose form and fitness limited his influence during his loan spell.

Anthony arrives after producing eight league goals and four assists and should provide a much stronger challenge to Dango Ouattara.

Ouattara enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with seven goals and eight assists from 32 Premier League appearances, but he also endured a three-month goalless spell between February and May.

Brentford won only twice across the 11 matches during that period.

Anthony's presence means Andrews now has another credible option if Ouattara's form drops. It also gives the manager the freedom to rotate without significantly weakening his attacking threat.

That could prove crucial if Brentford intend to go one step further and secure European football.

Anthony's Carabao Cup performance has given Andrews a selection decision ahead of Brentford's next Premier League fixture.

If he can reproduce that attacking efficiency in the league, the Burnley signing could quickly move beyond being considered a depth option. More importantly, having genuine competition across the squad could give Brentford the extra edge they lacked during last season's pursuit of European qualification.