Brentford 2-2 Blackburn Rovers, Championship: report, ratings and verdict

VS.

Brentford 4-3-3

2

2

Blackburn Rovers 5-3-2

Half Time: 0 - 1 Griffin Park ( Attendance: 12,082 (1,454) )
1 min

Brentford came from two goals down in the second-half to salvage a 2-2 draw against in-form Blackburn Rovers at Griffin Park.

After the Bees dominated the early exchanges, Blackburn took the lead against the run of play in the 11th minute as Adam Armstrong lobbed David Raya following a long goal-kick upfield.

The opening 45 minutes saw Brentford, and most notably Said Benrahma, frustrated as they failed to convert a number of chances which fell their way.

And after more Brentford pressure early in the second period, referee Tim Robinson awarded Blackburn a penalty with Armstrong doubling their lead.

But just past the hour mark, Ollie Watkins reduced the deficit with a remarkable chest and half volley from outside the box after running onto Henrik Dalsgaard’s long ball.

Eight minutes later the referee awarded a penalty to Brentford with Benrahma taking the opportunity to put the Bees level.

The final 15 minutes saw the game become end-to-end – Armstrong going one-on-one with Raya and Bryan Mbuemo’s effort parried by Christian Walton just seconds later.

Brentford then had a final chance to win it as Watkins’ backheel found Benrahma in the box but the Moroccan’s shot was saved by Walton.

Key Points

Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…

Key Moment

Thomas Frank brought on Mads Roerslev for Julian Jeanvier which gave the Bees more of a presence down the right wing, leading to their penalty.

Moan of the Match

A few Brentford heads dropped after Blackburn’s first-half showing – the Bees need to be more resilient during sticky spells in games.

Talking Point

Brentford have only won once all season when behind at half-time – in such a tightly contested promotion race, will this eventually hold the Bees back?

Man of the Match

Ollie Watkins – the Brentford marksman continued an impressive scoring run which has never seen him fail to score in three consecutive games.

Tweet of the Match

Referee Watch

Tim Robinson (West Sussex) – awarded both sides a penalty with arguably soft fouls which left both sets of fans bemused.

Atmosphere

The Brentford fans found their voice in the second-half and rallied their side for the comeback from two goals down.

Verdict

Brentford had the chance to move up to third with victory but in the end will have to be satisfied with how they fought back against a resolute Blackburn side.

Line Ups

Brentford 4-3-3

Raya; Dalsgaard, Jeanvier (Roerslev, 54), Pinnock, Henry (Dervisoglu, 84); Marcondes (Baptiste, 60), Norgaard, Dasilva; Mbeumo, Watkins, Benrahma

Subs not used:

Daniels, Valencia, Fosu-Henry, Oksanen

Booked

Mbuemo

Blackburn Rovers 5-3-2

Walton; Buckley (Gallagher, 65), Nyambe, Lenihan, Adarabioyo, Bell; Travis, Downing, Johnson; Armstrong, Samuel (Bennett, 73)

Subs not used:

Leutwiler, Carter, Davenport, Brereton, Graham

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