Brentford's Record-Breaking Start: Keith Andrews' Influence on Lightning Goals

Brentford's Innovative Kick-Off Strategy: Breaking Records in the Premier League

Brentford FC has recently made headlines for a remarkable feat in the Premier League: scoring inside the opening 40 seconds of their last three consecutive matches. This unprecedented achievement is not just a stroke of luck; it is the result of strategic planning orchestrated by Brentford's new set-piece coach, Keith Andrews, along with manager Thomas Frank.

The Rise of Set-Piece Coaching

Set-piece coaching is becoming increasingly popular in football, but Brentford has been ahead of the curve for nearly a decade. They were the first English club to hire a designated set-piece coach back in 2015. This move came after the club struggled with set-pieces during the 2014/15 season. Since then, several of their coaches have been poached by bigger clubs, indicating the effectiveness of their approach.

Spotlight on Nicolas Jover

Nicolas Jover, who worked with Brentford from 2016 to 2019, gained recognition after his successful tenure, leading to his subsequent positions with Manchester City and, later, Arsenal. Under his guidance, Arsenal became the most effective attacking set-piece team in the Premier League, scoring 45 goals from set-pieces. Brentford, on the other hand, closely followed with 43 set-piece goals between 2021 and the end of last season.

Introducing Keith Andrews

Keith Andrews, who previously coached at Sheffield United and the Republic of Ireland's national setup, has taken over the role of set-piece coach. His innovative approach focuses on kick-offs and throw-ins as untapped opportunities. Andrews has already begun influencing Brentford's play with novel strategies that emphasize quick starts and aggressive play.

A Novel Kick-Off Strategy

Manager Thomas Frank has acknowledged the role of Andrews in developing a kick-off strategy that aims to catch opponents off guard. The idea is to start the game with a strong offensive mentality, capitalizing on the element of surprise. Andrews' kick-off tactics involve utilizing defender Kristoffer Ajer, a 6ft 5in player, to create a dominant aerial presence and maintain the ball's flow in attacking areas.

Analyzing the Tactics

After detailed analysis, Andrews discovered that teams like Manchester City and Tottenham often favor the right-hand side during kick-offs. In response, Brentford has adapted their positioning to exploit this trend, pushing Ajer high up the right side and allowing forward players to press for the second ball. This tactical variation has already resulted in goals from players like Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.

The Impact of a Cohesive Strategy

The success of this kick-off strategy stems from the collaboration between various strategic elements at Brentford. It is a synergy of innovative ideas, open communication among coaching staff, and players who are willing to embrace new plans. Understanding the importance of adapting tactics based on the opponent has been key.

Jamie Carragher's Analysis

Football pundit Jamie Carragher recently analyzed Brentford's kick-off tactics during a segment on Monday Night Football. He highlighted the importance of Ajer's height and positioning, stating, “He’s going to give you a chance to keep the ball alive.” Carragher noted how Brentford's ability to stay alert and capitalize on defensive mistakes has significantly contributed to their successful start.

Conclusion: Brentford Leading the Way

Brentford FC is redefining the significance of set-piece coaching in the Premier League. With an innovative kick-off strategy led by Keith Andrews, the club has seen remarkable success resulting in a series of record-breaking performances. As they continue to implement and refine their tactics, it will be exciting to see how they progress in the ongoing season.