MY ACCOUNT
Newcomers Brentford got off to a strong start in their first Premier League season and Ivan Toney looked every bit a top-flight striker.
But the frontman has gone on a goal drought and the club have lost four of their last five.
Does Toney need to do more or is a lack of service the issue? LiveScore take a look at what the Bees can do to create a buzz again.
Seat at the top table
After finally escaping the Championship following some near-misses, Thomas Frank’s side beat Arsenal 2-0 in a Friday night kick-off to begin the season.
The Bees were making a name for themselves in the league but midway through the season the team were struck with countless injuries with star players like David Raya and Toney out.
Could this be what caused their downfall and can Brentford pick up their form to ensure they do not get dragged into a relegation dogfight?
Meetings with Liverpool
Star-studded Liverpool were Brentford’s sixth Premier League opponents and few gave them much chance of gaining anything from the match.
The Bees defied expectations and proved they were worthy by battling to a 3-3 draw with their illustrious rivals even though they managed just over 30% possession.
But this Sunday, Frank’s outfit slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Anfield in a result which outlined the team’s fall from their early-season heights.
Brentford’s defence was no match for Liverpool’s attack even with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
And at the other end, the West Londoners managed just six efforts on Alisson’s goal — compared to the 16 they managed in the reverse fixture.
Ivan Toney
Many would not have heard about the English centre-forward before this year but Toney is showing signs he has the potential to be a Premier League star.
After arriving from Peterborough for £5.6million in 2020, he soon set the record for most goals scored in a Championship season with 31.
The Northampton-born striker is Brentford’s focal point and his value has skyrocketed since he joined the club.
Toney entered the season with doubts over his fitness after taking a knock in pre-season but managed four goal contributions in his first six outings.
But he has hit the net just twice in 13 games since with his last strike sealing a 1-0 win over Everton in November — shortly before he tested positive for coronavirus and missed clashes against Leeds and Watford.
Toney had 21 shots in the first nine league games of this season and has managed 22 in the following 10. He is still getting opportunities and his four strikes from an expected tally of 4.54 show that he is not regularly wasting them.
Brentford have scored more times than top-half Wolves and Tottenham, meaning their biggest problem could lie in their own penalty area.
Fixing the problem
Frank is adamant the team will be back in business soon but faces an uphill battle to stop the rot with his side only four places clear of the relegation places.
Brentford have suffered endless injuries during their time in the Premier League, which has played a big part in their problems.
But their main issue has been matching established Premier League sides at the back with a leaky defence shipping 33 goals, including seven in back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Southampton.
The Bees have a chance to get back to their old ways against Manchester United on Wednesday — the Red Devils have their own defensive issues and Toney might just find the space he needs to get back on the goal trail.
