Brentford stopped their two-game losing slide and jumped back into the top half of the Premier League table with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Luton Town on Saturday.
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Despite suffering back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal, Thomas Frank’s side was sharp and at it from the opening whistle. Brentford attempted the first 18 shots of the game, before Luton’s first effort in the 62nd minute.
The Bees had to be patient, though, as the breakthrough didn’t come until early in the second half. Eventually, Luton’s brave defensive showing could no longer withstand the constant pressure and numbers packing their penalty area. In the 49th minute, a cross came into the box and was poorly dealt with by a pair of Hatters, and the ball fell to Neal Maupay inside the six-yard box for a simple finish.
Seven minutes later, Ben Mee rose highest to meet Bryan Mbeumo’s corner kick and make it a thoroughly 2-0 lead. Luton threatened to make things interesting inside the final quarter-hour, though. Jacob Brown pulled the visitors back to 2-1 in the 76th minute, with a pinpoint finish on just the second shot of the game for Luton.
Alas, the comeback bid was on for barely five minutes, as Shandon Baptiste slammed home a rebound to re-establish the two-goal advantage and wrap up all three hard-earned points.
Brentford vs Luton - Skewed stats tell the story
Shots: Brentford 27-7 Luton
Shots on target: 6-1
xG: 3.21-0.22
Passes: 523-185
Relentless domination.
What’s next?
Brentford will continue their push toward the top half of the table on Wednesday, when they travel to the south coast to take on Brighton. Luton will be back in action a day earlier, hosting Arsenal at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday.
Player ratings - Brentford vs Luton Town
Brentford vs Luton Town, final score: 3-1
Goalscorers: Neal Maupay (49'), Ben Mee (56'), Jacob Brown (76'), Shandon Baptiste (81')
49th minute - GOAL - Neal Maupay cleans up a failed clearance for 1-0
56th minute - GOAL - Ben Mee heads home Bryan Mbeumo’s corner kick for 2-0
76th minute - GOAL - Jacob Brown pulls Luton back to 2-1 with a fine finish
81st minute - GOAL - Shandon Baptiste slams home to reclaim a two-goal lead
How to watch Brentford vs Luton Town live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET, Saturday (December 2)
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Brentford starting lineup
Flekken — Ghoddos, Pinnock, Mee, Janelt — Norgaard, Onyeka, Yarmolyuk — Mbeumo, Maupay, Wissa
Luton Town starting lineup
Kaminski — Mengi, Lockyer, Osho — Kabore, Mpanzu, Barkley, Bell — Chong, Obene, Morris
Focus on Brentford, team news
The Bees have so many injuries but they keep on going and Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are key in attack, while Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock and Kristoffer Ajer are crucial in defense. The Bees will look to press high, get the ball forward early and let Mbeumo and Wissa do their business.
OUT: Ivan Toney (suspension), Rico Henry (torn ACL - out for season), Kevin Schade (adductor), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Mikkel Damsgaard (knee), Josh Dasilva (hamstring), Nathan Collins (ankle)| QUESTIONABLE: Mathias Jensen (knock), Mads Roerslev (knock)
Focus on Luton Town, team news
The Hatters know who they are, play to their strengths and they’ve kept things very solid in recent months as Rob Edwards’ side are horrible to play against. They will look to hit Brentford on the counter and will swing in plenty of set-pieces.
OUT: Reece Burke (thigh), Dan Potts (ankle), Mads Andersen (hamstring), Albert Sambi Lokonga (thigh), Marvellous Nakamba (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Cauley Woodrow (calf), Issa Kabore (face)