Farewell Griffin Park: Bees book Play-off final spot

Brentford produced one of their best performances of the season as they defeated Swansea 3-1 (3-2 on aggregate) in their last ever game at Griffin Park.

Eight wins on the bounce was followed up by three defeats which asked questions that were not asked of them throughout the season. In their second to last game against Stoke City, a win would have taken them up to second, but they fell to defeat. Last game of the season, they lost to a relegation battling Barnsley, which ultimately ended their hopes of automatic promotion. They also lost in the first leg against The Swans, which ultimately led to question marks over whether Brentford have what it takes to win when under pressure and whether they have enough experience to get promotion.

Going in to the second leg, there was a lot on the line. The weight of winning in the final game at Griffin Park, all the effort that was put in to this campaign, and the future of their star players.

Despite all this, Thomas Frank was confident his side would overcome the Welsh side. Speaking ahead of the second leg he said,

“We are 1-0 down going into the second half of this two-legged game and I promise you, the irritation and determination in the dressing room is so high that we’ll come flying out on Wednesday, and im 100% sure we’re going to win that game.”

Whilst some may have thought Frank was showing a level of arrogance, he wasn’t wrong. His side came flying out of the blocks. Ollie Watkins’ opening goal after just 11 minutes epitomised Brentford’s style of football in a nutshell.

David Raya caught the ball from a freekick, threw the ball to Mathias Jensen, who found Watkins with a delightful through ball from his own half and the latter slotted it past Erdwin Mulder for his 27^th goal of the season, all in a matter of seconds.

Four minutes later they doubled their lead as Said Benrahma’s inviting cross was headed in by Emiliano Marcondes as the Bees threatened to run wild.

Less than a minute after the interval, the West Londoners had one foot in the Play-off final, as Bryan Mbuemo met Rico Henry’s cross with a powerful volley past a helpless Mulder.

An uncommon mistake by captain Pontus Jansson lead to a well taken goal by Liverpool loanee Rhian Brewster with 12 minutes of normal time remaining to make it 3-2 on aggregate. The 78 minutes prior to that showed why Brentford have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Championship over the last couple of seasons but they now had a lead to defend.

Surely Brentford had what it takes to see out this game? Surely they could overcome the nerves this time? Afterall, these were obstacles which caused them to cave in their final two games of the campaign.

They managed to see out the game and celebrations followed. Did they celebrate too early? Have they put all their efforts into this game with a final to come in less than a week? It will remain to be seen.

Only West London rivals Fulham stand in between Brentford and the Premier league now ahead of their metting at Wembley on Tuesday.

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