Keith Andrews has received widespread praise following Brentford’s commanding 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Monday night — a result that secured the Bees’ first away win of the season and lifted them clear of the Premier League’s bottom three.
Goals from Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen sealed a deserved three points at London Stadium, with the visitors creating a flurry of chances and outshooting the Hammers 22–7. Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, a summer signing from Liverpool, also impressed, keeping his second clean sheet of the campaign.
Former Wolves boss Gary O’Neill was among those to praise Andrews’ tactical setup, telling Sky Sports:
“He’s showing he’s very, very capable of the job he’s been given.” — Gary O’Neill, Sky Sports
Brentford’s breakthrough and control
Brentford’s dominance was evident from the start. After striking the woodwork twice and seeing one goal ruled out for offside, they finally took the lead just before half-time. A long ball over the top exposed the home defence, as Maximilian Kilman misjudged the flight, allowing Kevin Schade to race through and square for Thiago, whose shot spun past Alphonse Areola despite the goalkeeper’s touch.
Thiago thought he had doubled the lead moments later, only for VAR to intervene. The Bees struck the frame of the goal twice more before substitute Keane Lewis-Potter teed up Mathias Jensen, who smashed home a stoppage-time clincher to confirm a dominant win.
Andrews delighted with ‘most complete performance’
After the match, Andrews praised his side’s discipline, composure, and intensity, calling it their best all-round performance since he took charge.
“Very pleased,” the Irishman said. “We approached the game really well. I had a good feeling the last few days — the vibe, the energy around the place. I thought we produced a really good performance.
“Ultimately, you want that second goal to make it more comfortable, but I felt we controlled it in the main. It was the most complete performance of the season, for sure.”
Brentford’s growing belief
For a side that had struggled away from home, this display marked a turning point. Andrews’ high-pressing approach stifled West Ham’s midfield while Brentford’s front three — Schade, Thiago and Ouattara — combined fluidly throughout.
The win lifted Brentford up to mid-table and gave supporters renewed optimism after a patchy start under their new manager. Kelleher’s confident showing added to the positives, vindicating the club’s summer decision to invest up to €21 million in the Irish international.
| West Ham 0–2 Brentford: Match Stats | Brentford | West Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on target) | 22 (9) | 7 (1) |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Big Chances | 5 | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.32 | 0.41 |
source: Sofascore – 21 October 2025
Our View: A defining night for Andrews
In our view, this was a defining moment for Keith Andrews at Brentford. His tactical clarity — pressing high, dominating transitions, and restoring belief — produced a performance that silenced early critics and showcased his potential as a Premier League manager.
Brentford looked sharp, organised, and confident — attributes that had been missing in their early-season form. If Andrews can maintain this level, his side could comfortably steer clear of the relegation battle.
Analyst Verdict
I think Gary O’Neill’s assessment is spot on. Andrews’ structure, energy, and use of players like Schade and Thiago finally clicked. It’s exactly the kind of performance that gives a new manager credibility.
As FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe notes: “This was Brentford’s blueprint game — brave with the ball, balanced without it. Andrews is showing tactical maturity beyond expectation.”
Key Insights
- Brentford claim first away win of the season, beating West Ham 2–0
- Goals from Igor Thiago and Mathias Jensen secure victory
- Caoimhín Kelleher earns second clean sheet of the season
- Gary O’Neill praises Andrews as “very capable” on Sky Sports
- Andrews calls it the team’s “most complete performance of the season”
What’s Next
Brentford face Liverpool at home next weekend before trips to Crystal Palace. With confidence returning and key players rediscovering form, Keith Andrews will aim to build on what may be the most convincing display of his short tenure.
👉 Can Keith Andrews turn Brentford’s momentum into a sustained mid-table push this season?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 21 Oct 2025 08:39
i dont think anyone has expected this. He's doing a very good job so far, im impressed the way they played against West Ham tbh. Liverpool next, I think Slot will lose if they continue like this.
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