Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said he was delighted with the performance of his side as they came through a “tough challenge” to beat Blackburn Rovers yesterday.
The Bees made it four home victories on the bounce and six in seven Sky Bet Championship matches overall with a 3-1 win over Blackburn.
Jonathan Douglas put The Bees in front during a first 35 minutes they completely dominated but Rovers hit back just before the break through a goal from Rudy Gestede that deflected in off Harlee Dean.
But Brentford went again after the break and Andre Gray put them back in front before Jota sealed the win with the third goal.
Brentford had won five in a row before defeat in a physical encounter against Huddersfield Town last week and Mark admitted the wider football world would have been wondering what the response would be.
He said his side were worthy winners.
“It was a tough challenge today,” said Mark.
“We had a good run, with five victories in a row, lost last week and what would the reaction be.
“People would have been looking and asking what our response would be to defeat at Huddersfield.
“I am delighted with that performance.
“The only disappointment in the first half was that they scored just before half time, which was a scrappy goal.
“Harlee Dean was disappointed with that but he and Tony Craig played very well, we stood up to a tough physical challenge.
“We moved the ball well, created chances and were worthy winners in the end.”
Mark said his side should have been ahead at the break and the only thing that went wrong in the first half was Gestede’s deflected goal.
He hailed the way they came out strongly after half time to take control of the match again.
“We were really pleased at half time, the only slip up was the goal,” said Mark.
“We had to make sure we applied our quality, 100 per cent effort is a given from this side.
“We came out strong and got the goals, I think we deserved them.
“We should have been further clear.
“I am delighted for the players.”
Jota set up that second goal for Gray before scoring the third himself, his fifth Brentford goal in 18 appearances since a summer move from Real Club Celta de Vigo.
Jota was recalled to the starting line up in place of Jon Toral.
That was the only change from the defeat at Huddersfield, in which Mark had kept the same starting XI for the third match in a row.
“Jota has done very well for us,” said Mark.
“Jon Toral has been outstanding but he is 19 and it is really important to look after him physically.
“I am delighted with Jon.
“Jota is finding his feet, adjusting to life in England, but from the first whistle today he was effective.
“He scored a goal, made a goal and I am delighted with the ovation the fans gave him, I think he is a special talent, like a number of others.
“He is ice cold in front of goal.
“He cuts in off the right but can go inside and out.
“Today was a really good performance.”
Mark said he expected teams to present Brentford with a physical test after seeing the way Huddersfield, with powerful striker Grant Holt in their ranks, had played against The Bees.
Mark hailed his defenders – Moses Odubajo, Harlee Dean, Tony Craig and Jake Bidwell – and goalkeeper David Button for the way they dealt with it.
“We have to look at what other teams will be thinking about us,” he said.
“Grant Holt gave us a tough time at Huddersfield last week and people will be asking if that style works against Brentford.
“I was delighted with Harlee and Tony, Jake and Moses were outstanding, David Button dominated his penalty area.
“We sent out a message today that we can battle.
“We must also recognise our strengths with the football.
“It doesn’t matter how tall you are if you have the ball.”
Blackburn left striker Jordan Rhodes out to play five in midfield at Griffin Park and Mark admitted that gave his team a boost.
Mark said his team had no doubt they would win the game despite going in level at half time.
“They looked to match us up in midfield, which gives us a boost in terms of a team coming here to match us,” he said.
“When teams change to something unfamiliar, that is an advantage to us.
“We moved the ball really well, got the goal and should have had two or three more.
“We conceded but there was no doubt in our dressing room.
“I was delighted with that response.
“They had quality in their squad, a real threat.
“We produced a magnificent performance.”
Blackburn brought on Rhodes and David Dunn as they chased the game but Mark said that presented attacking opportunities for his team.
“The message was not to get too deep,” said the Brentford boss.
“If we sit too deep we invite teams on and that causes problems.
“Equally they have to take risks.
“We are always looking to counter.”
Mark also praised the Brentford supporters, who played their part in the win.
“At 1-1 we got massive applause and cheers at half time,” he said.
“That helped the players.
“They were a bit disheartened to have played well and go in at 1-1.
“We have to make sure every supporter goes home happy.
“We are always thinking about our long-term aim of filling the new stadium.”
Full post-match reaction from Mark Warburton is available here for Bees Player subscribers.