1 min
Brentford started their 2020/21 Championship campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s.
The Bees’ first big chance of the game came after 14 minutes as Sergi Canos evaded two challenges before flashing a low ball across goal which Bryan Mbeumo failed to get a toe on.
A slick passing move just past the half hour mark then saw Mbeumo laying the ball off to Henrik Dalsgaard whose cross found its way back to the forward who blazed an effort well over the bar.
But it was Birmingham who took the lead against the run of play – Jeremie Bela guiding a near-post header from an Ivan Sanchez corner beyond Luke Daniels in the 37th minute.
Just under an hour gone and Brentford’s well-worked free-kick almost clinched an equaliser with the unmarked Ethan Pinnock heading the ball across goal for Cano’s overhead kick to ricochet off the crossbar.
Minutes later Brentford nearly scored again as substitute Emiliano Marcondes had a free header from close range which was denied by Birmingham keeper Zach Jeacock with Ivan Toney agonisingly short of the rebound.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Bryan Mbeumo’s miss in the first-half summed up Brentford’s day – the Bees had a number of decent scoring opportunities but Birmingham only needed one.
Moan of the Match
Brentford’s sloppy marking for Jeremie Bela’s goal was a far cry from the level of defending which served them so well last season.
Talking Point
Brentford’s front three lacked the individual quality of the ‘BMW’ against a physical Birmingham defence. How will the Bees cope without Ollie Watkins and potentially Said Benrahma alongside Mbeumo this season?
Man of the Match
Ethan Pinnock – one of the few Brentford players who performed like they did last season, keeping Lukas Jutkiewicz at bay for much of the match.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Tony Harrington (Cleveland) – officiated firmly but fairly in a physical contest with a few petty trailing legs.
Atmosphere
Birmingham’s technical area was noticeably louder than Brentford’s even when the Bees went a goal down.
Verdict
Despite the majority of chances falling their way, Brentford failed to capitalise and were outworked, outmuscled and outperformed on the day.
