James McClean and Tyrese Campbell: The inspirations in Stoke’s victory over Brentford

Stoke City claimed their first home win in the Championship this season after beating Brentford 3-2 at the Bet365 Stadium.

It was an impressive display from the Potters, in particular in the first-half. They were much better than their London counterparts in every department: they looked more comfortable on the ball, more resolute defensively and more of a threat going forward. Stoke’s performance in the opening 45 was rewarded with a 2-0 lead, Steven Fletcher and James McClean scored the goals for Stoke.

Stoke clinched the third on the hour mark through Tyrese Campbell, but the remainder of the match was mostly followed by constant pressure from Brentford who pulled it back to 3-2 through a brace from Marcus Forss.

However, it wasn’t enough for Thomas Frank’s men who left Staffordshire for the second time in three months empty-handed.

There are honourable mentions for players of the match, in particular, the centre-back pairing of Harry Souttar and Nathan Collins who hardly put a foot wrong at the back, as well as Jacob Brown who throughout caused problems in attack.

It was Stoke’s left-sided players who were the most influential in the victory, Campbell and McClean. Their individual dedication stood out throughout the game, whether that was wanting to win the ball back or even just creating opportunities for their side.

The pair created their share of chances. Campbell and McClean were involved in each one of Stoke’s three goals. In the ninth minute, McClean powered through the Brentford defence, knocked it to Campbell who made a pinpoint cross to Fletcher for the opening goal of the game.

Ten minutes before the break, Campbell laid it off to McClean, who struck it and doubled the Potters’ advantage. There was a slice of luck with the second as Brentford’s goalkeeper David Raya thumbled the shot, but nevertheless, the goal from the Republic of Ireland international was well deserved.

The pair linked up for the third goal too. Campbell played it to McClean who sprayed it wide to the youngster. He drove forward and faced a challenge from Bees defender Charlie Goode, but the winger was able to shrug off the ex-Northampton Town skipper.

He continued to wriggle his way through and curled an effort into the bottom corner. It was a finish that Tyrese’s dad, ex-Arsenal, Everton and Nottingham Forest striker, Kevin would have been proud of,

Campbell was subbed in the 73rd minute for Josh Tymon, but regardless it was been an excellent performance from the winger which received plaudits from Michael O’Neill:

“He (Campbell) did very well today. It was a great finish off his right side. We know how strong he is on his left. This week he’s scored twice with his right.

“We played him on the left today as opposed to the right and I think he’s really shown us what he’s about in terms of his versatility as well.

“As I’ve said before I think at this minute in time it’s better for him to play in wider areas but he’s not playing as a winger, he’s playing as a wide attacker, a wide striker.

“He’s always a threat and I thought him and Jacob (Brown) were excellent today.”

It’s been a good start to the campaign for the 20-year-old. He has been involved in five goals already for the Potters this season, scoring on three occasions and assisting on two.

Campbell’s substitution pushed McClean further up the pitch. He started off the match as a wing-back, and it was a role that suited him. He sat deep and provided cover whenever Brentford were on the ball, but whenever Stoke went on the break he was able to play his natural attacking game. It was a display that received plenty of praise from O’Neill.

“It’s the James McClean I think we’ve seen in the period since I’ve come in,”

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