Selecting Jansson ‘maybe’ a mistake – Frank

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Frustrated Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted his decision to select Pontus Jansson for the third time in a week might have been a mistake.

Jansson, who started his first match in six months at Brighton last week, limped off after 15 minutes, having also played at Manchester United on Wednesday, as the Bees allowed Newcastle to come from behind to win 2-1.


Frank replied “maybe” when asked if he should have left the club captain on the bench, and said he was unsure how serious the injury to the Swede was.

“I don’t know exactly what is wrong with him. I will speak to the medical staff and we will assess him tomorrow,” Frank said.

Brentford dominated the first half but Newcastle were in control for the second in what was only the Bees’ second home defeat of the season and the first time they have lost in the Premier League after going ahead.

Ivan Toney’s penalty on the stroke of half-time was cancelled out by a David Raya own goal after he deflected Joelinton’s shot into the net off his heel, and a fine strike from Alexander Isak.

Toney also saw a penalty saved by Nick Pope and had a goal disallowed by VAR as Newcastle struggled to deal with the aggressive approach of Frank’s side.

“I think the opening 45 minutes is up there with the best halves we have played in the Premier League,” Frank said.

“I don’t think any team have done to Newcastle what we did in the first half and we could easily been 3-0 up. It was a top performance.

“But there were two moments that decided the game. It was a good action from Joelinton but I think he is fortunate to score. Then it is quality from Issak – the £63m striker.

“It was the law of statistics Ivan was always going to miss one. It is credit to Pope but I think the ball moved as he went to take it and that maybe affected him.

“But it showed great mental strength to put it in the net at the second attempt.”