Brentford secure comfortable victory over lowly Southampton
The Saints’ attention turned back to their Premier League survival battle after Newcastle United denied them a place in the final of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s side had the luxury of a two-week break ahead of resuming their pursuit of a top-six berth. Using those fresher legs to their advantage, Brentford began the game on the front foot, with Yoane Wissa misfiring a close-range strike and rattling the crossbar after rounding Gavin Bazunu inside the box.
Southampton eventually settled into the fixture and started to ask questions of the home side as James Ward-Prowse attempted to create openings for the strugglers.
Brentford, however, appeared unfazed as they continued to push for an opener. The Saints’ defence remained resolute under pressure from the home side, but it buckled as HT approached.
First, Ben Mee headed home Bryan Mbuemo’s dangerous ball into the area before Wissa broke free and squared the ball to the Cameroon international, who this time turned goalscorer to tap home and double Brentford’s advantage.
Saints boss Nathan Jones responded by introducing new signings Paul Onuachu and Kamaldeen Sulemana from the bench after the interval.
Now playing a 4-2-4 formation, Southampton came close to pulling a goal back when Sulemana forced a low save from David Raya after the two new boys combined.
The away side valiantly pushed to salvage something from the game, with substitute Theo Walcott calling Raya into action as the clock ticked down.
Despite the Saints’ efforts, Brentford ultimately ended any slim hopes of a comeback in the 79th minute when Mathias Jensen met Rico Henry’s cross and planted his header into the net.
As a result of the triumph, Brentford move up to sixth and are now unbeaten in nine PL games, while Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Bryan Mbuemo (Brentford)
