Brentford finally broke their Premier League away drought with a commanding 5-0 triumph over a struggling Southampton side at St. Mary’s. This emphatic victory not only ended a run of nine away matches without a win but also showcased Brentford’s attacking prowess, as they climbed into 10th place in the table.
For Southampton, it was another dismal outing, leaving them rooted to the bottom as their fight for survival grows increasingly desperate. Here’s how the match unfolded.
The game started disastrously for Southampton. Just six minutes in, Kevin Schade latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Mikkel Damsgaard and coolly slotted past Aaron Ramsdale. It was Schade’s fifth goal of the season, setting the tone for what would be a long afternoon for the Saints.
Brentford continued to dominate the early stages, creating several chances to extend their lead. Wissa and Norgaard both came close, with Wissa’s curling effort saved by Ramsdale and Norgaard’s header rattling the crossbar. Southampton struggled to muster any meaningful response, leaving their home fans frustrated.
The second half began with controversy as Sepp van den Berg had a goal disallowed for a foul during a corner. However, Brentford didn’t have to wait long to strike again. Bryan Mbeumo doubled their lead in the 62nd minute after a clever assist from Wissa. The Cameroonian forward calmly smashed the ball into the roof of the net, leaving Ramsdale helpless.
Just minutes later, Mbeumo was at it again, this time from the penalty spot. A VAR review confirmed that van den Berg was fouled in the box, and Mbeumo stepped up to convert with confidence, securing his 13th goal of the season. At this point, Brentford’s away win seemed inevitable, while Southampton’s defensive frailties were laid bare.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Brentford delivered the finishing touches to a masterful display.
Substitute Keane Lewis-Potter netted his first league goal of the season in the 92nd minute after being set up by Mbeumo. The young forward drilled a low shot past Ramsdale to make it 4-0.
The rout was completed just moments later when Wissa capitalized on a mistake by Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Pouncing on a loose ball, Wissa raced through on goal and slotted home with ease, sealing a memorable 5-0 win for the Bees.
ALSO READ LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH GAMES:
- Aston Villa Extend Unbeaten Home Run with Hard-Fought Win
- Newcastle United Edges Tottenham to Strengthen European Football Hopes
- Toffees Stumble Again as Bournemouth Capitalize on Key Moment
For Southampton, this defeat marked their 16th of the season, and they have now failed to score in half of their league matches. Despite making attacking substitutions, including introducing Cameron Archer and Adam Armstrong, the Saints created an xG of just 0.29, highlighting their inability to carve out clear chances.
New manager Ivan Juric remains winless after three games in charge, and the pressure is mounting. Southampton’s 10-point gap from safety and ongoing lack of firepower make their survival prospects increasingly bleak.
Brentford, in stark contrast, delivered one of their best performances of the season. Their xG of 4.23 underlined their dominance, and their ability to convert chances was clinical.
Bryan Mbeumo’s contributions stood out, with two goals and an assist, taking his season tally to 13 goals—more than Southampton’s entire team.
Thomas Frank’s tactical adjustments and faith in players like Mbeumo, Wissa, and Schade paid dividends. Brentford’s long-awaited away win not only boosts their confidence but also keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-half finish.
- Bryan Mbeumo: The standout player with two goals and an assist, showcasing his sharpness and creativity.
- Yoane Wissa: Played a pivotal role with a goal and an assist, constantly troubling Southampton’s defense.
- Kevin Schade: Set the tone early with his opener, combining pace and precision.
- Aaron Ramsdale: Despite conceding five, the Southampton goalkeeper made several important saves to prevent an even larger margin.
Brentford’s high press and quick transitions proved too much for Southampton to handle. The Bees dominated midfield battles and exploited defensive errors ruthlessly. Thomas Frank’s decision to start Kevin Schade and Mathias Jensen paid off, as both players contributed significantly to the victory.
Southampton, on the other hand, lacked cohesion and struggled to string together meaningful attacking moves. Their defensive organization also left much to be desired, as individual mistakes and poor marking cost them dearly.
Both teams now shift their focus to the FA Cup. Southampton will host Swansea City in a must-win match to restore some confidence, while Brentford entertain Plymouth Argyle, looking to build on their momentum.
For Brentford, this victory could be the catalyst for a strong second half of the season. If they can replicate this form, especially away from home, a top-half finish is well within their grasp.
Southampton, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Juric must find solutions quickly, particularly in attack, if they are to mount any sort of comeback in the Premier League.
This emphatic win was a statement performance from Brentford, proving they can deliver on the road. For Southampton, however, it was another bitter reminder of their struggles. As the season progresses, the Saints will need more than just hope to survive, while the Bees will look to continue buzzing towards a successful campaign.
