GW31: Coventry City-Brentford
Third consecutive loss for Brentford as Coventry earn 3 points
Quentin Gesp
Beaten by Coventry (2-0), Brentford suffered a third consecutive loss and are in danger of losing out in the race for direct promotion to the Premier League.
Date Published: Saturday 20th February
Credit: Andy Shaw/ProSports/Rex/Shutterstock
After two consecutive defeats, Thomas Frank, deprived in particular of Toney, Jansson and Marcondes, made the choice to leave Dasilva on the bench to start Forss in the middle.
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For Coventry, Mark Robbins made the bold choice to line up a two-man attack, with Biamou and Walker and O'Hare in support as a number 10.
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The first seconds were mastered by Brentford, with a corner kick straight from the start. And, then, nothing for the Bees. Coventry got their first chance with a long shot from O'Hare, picked up by Raya (6).
And the match rocked shortly after the 15th minute of the game. Biamou struck with a volley and forced the Brentford goalkeeper to a good save. Henry didn't see Biamou behind his back and hit Coventry striker's ankle while trying to clear the ball.
The penalty was converted by Walker (19) who managed to slip the ball between the hand and the body of Raya who chose the correct side, on his right. 1-0 Coventry, meaning an 8th game in a row without a clean sheet for Brentford.
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Another big opportunity around the 30th minute of play. From a corner kick, McFazdean placed his head towards O'Hare at the back post. The former Aston Villa player hit the ball with a good volley, forcing Raya into a reflex stop (26).
The second half started off very well for Coventry who were looking for a second goal to cement the lead. And this second goal will come quickly. From a goal kick, Raya offered the ball directly to Biamou who gave to O'Hare. The skipper rushed into the box and gave to Walker with his back to goal. Walker turned and shot to score his second goal of the day (55).
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On the following action, Jensen was close to make the same mistake again, forcing his keeper to a good stop.
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Symbols of a failed match, Mbeumo and Ghoddos were both subbed before the hour mark, failing to replace the absence of Ivan Toney, the Championship's top scorer (24 goals). The worries continued with injury of Henry (63), forcing Thomas Frank into a final substitution.
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The match ended with a routine 2-0 win for Coventry City. Tactically disciplined and solid technically, Coventry players played a very serious game, showing a lot of solidarity. Thanks to this impressive win, Coventry took another step towards a survival in the Championship, with 34 points after 31 games played.
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Conversely, Brentford showed a worrying face, never really managing to endanger their opponents. This third consecutive defeat puts Thomas Frank and his men under pressure as Watford now has the same number of points as the West London club (57pts).
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‘It is really painful right now and it hurts, it really hurts. But I think it is in these moments where one of ours biggest values to get out of this needs to be shown because it is only together we can get out of this sticky patch’ reacted Thomas Frank after the game at Brentford’s mike.
MOTM – Callum O’Hare. Despite not being not being able to score against Brentford, the offensive midfielder delivered another impressive performance, full of accuracy. He gave Walker his third assist in the last 6 games to lead Coventry to their 8th success of the season.