For the second successive game, there were few chances in a match that Sky labelled a ‘drab stalemate’. O’Neill was possibly wary about Brentford’s counter-attacking threat (2 goals at Leicester, 2 at Fulham and 1 at Palace so far this season). There were only two chances rated above 1 in 5, Lerma’s header which Toney cleared off the line (rated 1 in 3) and Toney’s chance that he smashed wide (3 in 10). Other notable chances were a Toney free kick (1 in 6) in the 81st minute, a chance for Tavernier (1 in 10) just before half time, and a chance for Lerma (1 in 7) just before the end after the handball claim. If a penalty had been given for the tackle on Zemura by Ajer in the 22nd minute, then the game could have played out differently, but there were large spells without any real chances. There was an xG of 0.06 between the 12th and the 40th minute and of 0.05 between the 51st and the 79th minute.
The defence and midfield were notably higher than in recent games, with Cook and Lerma much nearer the halfway line. Tavernier was the furthest player forward and looked from this graphic to try and play close to Moore. Billing played more on the left as he did at Nottingham Forest although, in contrast to that game, we didn’t have a man in the left-wing position with Solanke staying central. At the City Ground Christie and Tavernier were in more orthodox winger positions. Christie, who came on for Moore in the 73rd minute was less advanced than Zemura.
Lerma had the most touches of any player this season in a game, with 83, he also had the most touches in the opposition half. In the final third Tavernier had a record 34 touches, although his final ball was off in this game. Mepham didn’t touch the ball in the opponent’s half.
Lerma made considerably more passes than any other teammate, with an 84% success rate, which rose to 86% in Brentford’s half, where the Columbian had the greatest number of passes. Cook had an overall completion rate of 90%, followed by Solanke (88% but from only 16 passes) and Christie (88% from 8 passes).
Moore was involved in most aerial duels with 7, winning 5. Mepham was next with 3 (winning 1)
Billing, Smith and Zemura made most tackles, (3) with Zemura having a 100% win rate, and Billing and Smith winning 2 out of 3.
Lerma had the highest number of recoveries (10) and clearances (5), It’s a small sample size, but it may be interesting that the numbers differ between Mepham and Senesi. Mepham was on average deeper than Senesi and made all 4 of AFCB’s blocks. Senesi had the greatest number of interceptions in the team. If Kelly is out for a lengthy period, this may indicate how Mepham and Senesi will form a partnership.
