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Premier League Mid-Season Report: Brentford – The Bees Buzzing?

For their debut season in the Premier League, Brentford have performed admirably so far, ranking highest of the three promoted teams. Currently in thirteenth place with 23 points from twenty games, the Bees have had an impressive start to life in the top-flight.

Season so far

Brentford have been one of the surprises of the season, with an enjoyable style of play, a strong team ethic, and exciting young players. One loss in their first seven games was a remarkable effort from the promoted side. These included wins over Arsenal and West Ham and an exhilarating 3-3 home draw with Liverpool, suggested Brentford were here to stay.

The Bees’ form did tail off during the rest of 2021, with just two league wins until the New Year. However, it has been a credible effort so far from the West London side.

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The Manager

After failing in the Championship play-off final in 2020, Brentford got their revenge in 2021, defeating Swansea City 2-0 at Wembley. Thomas Frank had finally got the Bees to the promise land, and they look set to stay in the top-flight for a second season. Frank has brought a positive outlook on everything Brentford do, even after the harshest of defeats.

He has been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League, and his passion for Brentford as a club is clear to see. He is always seen embracing fans after games and has presented himself admirably to the media. There is more to come from Frank and Brentford, that is for sure.

Player of the season so far

Rico Henry has been a mainstay in the Brentford defence this season, with the Bees missing his pace, trickery and defensive awareness when he has been unavailable. With two goals as well, Brentford can also rely on Henry’s attacking output as well as his defensive contribution.

Touted for an England call-up in the future, Henry has showed that coming up from the Championship to the Premier League can be a seamless transition.

Signing of the season

Brentford did not invest heavily in the transfer market, only bringing in players that would add quality in areas that were short on numbers. Kristopher Ajer has impressed since his arrival from Celtic but has been injured for large spells.

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Yoane Wissa has also played limited minutes since his arrival in the summer, however he has had a much greater impact on the team. Equalisers against Liverpool and Aston Villa, along with the winning goal against West Ham has Brentford fans craving for more from the former Lorient man.

Most disappointing player

At the start of the season, it appeared Ivan Toney had transitioned from the Championship to the Premier League with ease. Two goals and two assists in the first six games of the season was a positive start to his Premier League career.

Since then, only two more goals and Toney has looked an isolated figure on the pitch. If Brentford can get a new centre forward to partner Toney in attack, then we may see the player that tore the Championship to shreds just a year ago.

Grade so far: B-
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