Two goals in injury time rescued a point for Brentford in a remarkable start to Marinus Dijkhuizen’s reign at Griffin Park. Here’s how we rated the Bees players in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Ipswich.
David Button 7:
Could do nothing about either goal and made a fine second-half save to deny Kevin Bru. Also did well to block Freddie Sears in the first half, but will be disappointed with some of his kicking.
Alan McCormack 6:
Replaced the departed Moses Odubajo and was put under a lot of pressure in the first half. After the break, he put in a great cross that just eluded Jota before being sacrificed as Brentford went more attacking.
Harlee Dean 6:
Admitted afterwards he felt unwell during the game and seemed to struggle with Ipswich’s fluent movement up front. He did make some timely aerial interceptions, particularly in the second half.
James Tarkowski 6:
Not his finest defensive performance but he was involved in both injury-time goals – he first played the ball forward that Andre Gray latched on to for his goal, and then reacted quickest in the melee to salvage a point.
Jake Bidwell 6:
A quiet game by his usual standards, in his first match as the new club captain, though he won his fair share in the air. Came up against Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles and was kept pretty busy.
Toumani Diagouraga 6:
Another who failed to produce their form of last season, the midfielder was unable to check the runs of the impressive Bru.
Konstantin Kerschbaumer 5:
A disappointing debut from the Austrian, who seemed to struggle with the pace of the game. Fired wastefully wide in the first half before being withdrawn for Gray.
Jota 8:
The star performer, he was unlucky not to score in the first half as his header was brilliantly kept out by Bartosz Bialkowski. Made good runs into the box and contributed to the late pressure with some useful link-up play.
Alan Judge 7:
A very bright first half which included a great cross for Jota’s header and a free-kick narrowly wide. His influence waned as the game went on and he wasted a good opportunity in the second period by firing well wide.
Andy Gogia 7:
Also started well and drifted into good positions but teenage full-back Josh Emmanuel wised up to it as the match went on. Looks a promising acquisition though.
Philipp Hofmann 6:
Worked hard, won several headers and got a couple of shots away. However, his input was overshadowed by Gray’s cameo.
Andre Gray 7:
Replaced Kerschbaumer and added vibrancy to the Brentford attack. His run and finish reminded Brentford fans of what they lacked in the first 55 minutes – and what they might lose if he goes to Hull.
Lasse Vibe 6:
Came on for McCormack and had one effort smothered by Bialkowski, while another went over the bar.
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This post was last modified on 09/08/2015