Lack of squad depth a concern for Fulham, as Brentford run riot

Another night, and another game to forget for Fulham, who succumbed to a 3-0 loss against rivals Brentford, who looked quality all over the pitch. It was a performance that will concern fans, as it highlighted the lack of squad depth within the team, but it showed that Brentford have it in abundance.

When asked in the post-match press conference whether there were any positives to take from the result, Scott Parker had a simple response, ‘No’, and you can’t blame him for that answer, because they did not impress against a team were out to prove why they should have been in the Premier League instead.

It was actually Fulham who started the game the brighter of the two teams, holding on to the ball well, and controlling play. But despite their possession, they did not create any golden chances. This was a mixture of their lack of cohesion going forward, and a disciplined and resolute Brentford defence that limited them to shots from range.

Fulham’s only chances of note came from a well struck Kebano free-kick, that cannoned off the post, and a Knockaert shot from inside the box that was wide and always rising, but more on him later.

Brentford grew into the game as the half went on, with Benrahma being the key man out wide. He set up Ghoddos, who flashed an effort wide. Ghoddos was in the action again, after he was found out wide, where he teed up Forss, who powered a shot around Rodak.

After the goal, it was all Fulham, for the rest of the half. They continued to control the play in the second half, but yet again, they struggled to create anything clear-cut. One effort of note was when Ademola Lookman drove down the wing and put the ball in the box, with a looping Kebano shot being tipped over by Raya.

Against the run of play, Brentford won a free kick just inside Fulham’s half. The free kick was sent in, and nodded down by Pinnock, into the path of Benrahma, who poked home from close range. Benrahma was really getting into his groove, and scored the best goal of the night, after nutmegging Hector, and curling a shot from range into the net. It really showed his excellence at this level.

The whole performance highlighted the worrying lack of depth in the Fulham team. It was a lacklustre attack, with Onomah vacant for most of the half, Knockaert wasteful, and Kamara being of little effect. The rest of the team didn’t exactly shine either, Aina was harrassed all night by a top quality Benrahma, Seri was moved around the whole pitch, and didn’t seem to understand his role, and the defence and Rodak putting themselves under a lot of pressure, by playing out from the back, and being pressed by Brentford’s attack.

The only highlight for Fulham, was young Ademola Lookman, who was bright, and in his 45 minutes on the pitch, did more than any other Fulham player. He seemed to link up well on the left with Anthonee Robinson, which is a partnership that will give Scott Parker something positive.

Star man

Many questioned whether Benrahma would start this game, after his lack of game-time this season. But his all round performance shows why Thomas Frank would love to keep hold of him. When asked about the potential sale of Benrahma, he responded with:

‘Am I confident he will stay? I’m confident that I would love him to stay

Either we are going to get a top price or we are going to keep one of the best players in the Championship. Has he added a few million to his price? 100%.’

His first goal showed his awareness and movement in the box, where his second demonstrated the raw skill he has. He ran Aina ragged all night, and if can perform like that again, will no doubt see his stock rise.

Night to forget

Anthony Knockaert was a frustrated figure all night. Within the first few minutes, he was calling for the ball, and showing his annoyance at not been given it. When he did receive it, possession was often gifted back, as he tried too hard to make something happen. He blazed a couple of shots high and wide, and you feel that he was trying to be the man that made Fulham’s night. You cannot blame him for that, but it is a team game, and when you demand from your teammates, you also have to give back.

He also showed a lack of discipline that led to Brentford’s second, kicking out at a player when there was no need to, resulting in the free-kick. It was a silly foul to concede, and gave Brentford their first opportunity of the second half. After the second goal, it was game over.

Overall, a poor night for Fulham. There were 10 changes made to the team that lost to Aston Villa, and with these the players that are pushing those in the first team, Fulham may be concerned. Brentford were excellent, and very disciplined. They did make changes too, and really showed how classy they can be.