In this winter of managerial discontent, Keith Andrews and Régis Le Bris have proved capable frontmen for stable, carefully structured football operations. The Irishman’s exemplary rookie season as a head coach continued with Brentford’s commanding win against Le Bris’s Sunderland. The visitors’ west London trip will undoubtedly be most recalled for Enzo Le Fée’s failed attempt to dupe Caoimhín Kelleher from the penalty spot. Within minutes, the finishing of Igor Thiago took the game beyond reach of a team perhaps tying up after their fine season so far.
Aside from their New Year’s Day reunion with Thomas Frank, Brentford have been turning on the style, smashing in four goals either side of that goalless Tottenham game. Their brisk beginning, the Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs clawing away a Kevin Schade shot, further evidenced the attacking intent Andrews has instilled. It has Bees fans dreaming of European travel next season.
Sunderland, coming off four successive draws, have shown some strain of losing six players to the Africa Cup of Nations, though can now welcome back four after their national teams’ exit. Dan Ballard’s return from injury was also welcome, with Thiago coming off a hat‑trick at Everton, and Michael Kayode hurling long throws into the box. Their fans, making a 600-mile round trip, were in full voice, even when their team was under sustained pressure.
