Brentford snapped their nine-game winless slide and got an important attacking piece back in the process, as they did just enough to beat last-place Sheffield United 2-0 at home on Saturday.
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It was a massive victory for Brentford (32 points), who now sit seven points clear of the relegation zone with five games left to play. After flirting with disaster the second half of the season, the Bees look set for a fourth season in the Premier League. The same cannot be said for Sheffield United (16 points), with no wins in their last eight PL outings and just one in 16.
The opening goal went down as an own goal by Oliver Arblaster in the 63rd minute, though it was Mikkel Damsgaard who did most of the work for very little of the credit. Damsgaard was again snake-bitten in the 68th, when his classy volley was ruled out for a foul away from the ball. Alas, Frank Onyeka tacked on Brentford’s insurance goal in the 93rd minute.
Kevin Schade returns from 7-month injury, assists as stoppage-time sub
For the vast majority of the first half of the season, Brentford’s attacking unit was comprised of Bryan Mbeumo, Neal Maupay and Yoane Wissa, and they mostly made do with Kevin Schade, who was slated to be an impact starter in his first full season at the club, sidelined since Sept. 16 with an adductor injury and Ivan Toney banned until Jan. 20. Then, just as Toney returned, Wissa departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, and Mbeumo picked up an injury, missed AFCON and three months altogether.
Now, most of the above are back from injuries, only for Toney be limited to substitute availability due to his own injury. Thomas Frank will now focus on rebuilding in earnest what was not so long ago a frightening attacking team capable of beating any side on any day (and they often did). Toney will leave for a hefty fee in the summer, of course, but the next five games should give Bees fans a glimpse into the future and — with a little bit of injury luck — good reason to be hopeful.
What’s next?
Brentford will hop from one bottom-three side to another, as they travel to Kenilworth Road to take on 18th-place Luton Town (25 points) next Saturday (10 am ET). Sheffield United will host the other side currently in the relegation zone, Burnley (19 points) at the same time.
Player ratings - Brentford vs Sheffield United
Brentford vs Sheffield United highlights, final score: 2-0
Goalscorers: Oliver Arblaster (63' - OG), Frank Onyeka (90'+2)
63rd minute - OWN GOAL - Mikkel Damsgaard does most of the work, but won’t get the credit
90th minute +2 - GOAL - Frank Onyeka seals the win to end the slide
How to watch Brentford vs Sheffield United live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET Saturday
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Online: Premier League on Peacock
Brentford starting lineup
Flekken — Roerslev, Zanka, Collins, Reguilon — Janelt, Jensen, Damsgaard — Mbeumo, Wissa, Maupay
Sheffield United starting lineup
Grbic — Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty — Arblaster, Osborn, Hamer, Bogle, Larouci — Brereton Diaz, McBurnie
Brentford focus, team news
Having more attacking options available is huge for Frank and with Schade, Norgaard and Pinnock returning soon, Brentford’s injury issues have finally calmed down.
OUT: Ben Mee (ankle - out for season), Rico Henry (torn ACL - out for season), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Josh Dasilva (torn ACL - out for season) | QUESTIONABLE: Kevin Schade (adductor), Christian Norgaard (back), Ethan Pinnock (ankle)
Sheffield United focus, team news
The Blades have shown a different side of themselves in recent weeks as Wilder’s side will go down but they are going down with a fight.
OUT: John Egan (ankle), George Baldock (calf), Max Lowe (ankle), Chris Basham (ankle), Tom Davies (knock), Daniel Jebbison (illness), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Rhian Brewster (thigh)