Lacklustre Brentford draw with Stoke

Brentford 0 Stoke 0

Lacklustre Brentford had to settle for a point in what was a draining, forgettable clash at Griffin Park.

Thomas Frank’s men were expected to return to form against basement outfit Stoke, only to find the Potters resolute, well organised and worthy of a point. The uncertainty and lack of sharpness surrounding Brentford in these early stages of the Championship continues.

Bees chief Frank, interestingly, elected to go with the same side that lost 2-0 away to Preston North End a week ago, so new Greek signing Nikos Karelis, on a one year contract, had to settle for a place on the bench.

Rather than that dismal display at Deepdale, the hosts were aiming for a repeat of their impressive 3-0 win over Derby County on 31 August. Sergi Canos was the most enthusiastic Brentford player in the early stages, getting into danger areas without really creating anything clear cut, while Stoke – with just a single point from their Championship campaign ahead of this encounter – could only offer a wild shot over the bar by Peter Etebo.

The vast majority of the first half was, frankly, peppered with mediocrity and it must have concerned the watching Frank as Brentford in particular really struggled to impose themselves and lacked the rhythm their fans have come to expect at home. The Bees’ best opportunity fell shortly before the break but Christian Norgaard’s six yard header went over after a pin point Bryan Mbuemo free kick from the left.

Brentford desperately needed to inject some quality at the start of the second half and there were signs of increased pressing against a team who looked virtually bereft of ideas themselves. Even Bees’ creator Said Benrahma was failing to squeeze past the Potters’ rearguard.

Stoke however, did eventually note intent when Sam Clucas glanced a header across goal from Cameron Carter-Vickers’ corner in the 57th minute. Bruno Martins Indi then saw Brentford keeper David Raya scramble to save another headed effort from a few yards out, as Nathan Jones’ men threatened.

Frank, sensing lethargy, responded by sending Karelis on for his debut in place of the ineffective Mbuemo and Kamo Mokotjo replaced Mathias Jensen. Benrahma then tested Stoke keeper Jack Butland with a dipping long range shot.

Nevertheless, Stoke’s well drilled back line seemed to have any slight Brentford threat under control. Ollie Watkins, as well as Benrahma and Canos were failing to find their way through, with the hosts restricted to tired, speculative efforts from distance.

Etebo almost stunned the hosts with minutes to go, but the Potters’ midfielder was outsmarted by Raya when fastening towards goal. And as much as Canos attempted to create from the right as frustration took hold for Brentford, neither he or any team mates could source a cutting edge. It was an afternoon shadowed with disappointment for the Bees.