Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said his players got what they deserved for a “tremendous” second half display as they came from behind to beat Derby County.
The Bees trailed 1-0 at half time to the team that started the day top of the Sky Bet Championship but came back after the break.
Andre Gray equalised early in the second half and Stuart Dallas came off the substitute’s bench to strike the winner in stoppage time.
Mark said his team had played well against other teams near the top of the table – Watford and AFC Bournemouth in particular – and lost so he was pleased his players got the win yesterday.
He said his side had to treat every game as a cup final and go for every win.
“The most pleasing thing was that the players got their rewards,” said Mark, speaking after the match.
“We have put in some very good performances and got nothing – away at Watford and Bournemouth for example – but today the players got what they deserved for a tremendous second half display.
“I am delighted they got their just rewards, that was a tremendous second half performance.
“We spoke in the week; we felt we needed more focus.
“We looked at the division and we were seven points from the top and nine from the bottom three.
“We are now only three points off the top six.
“Every game is a cup final.
“That sounds derogatory to us but it is not, we can’t look three or four weeks ahead.”
Brentford started with Moses Odubajo in at right back, as Alan McCormack was injured, with Toumani Diagouraga and Jon Toral coming in to the side in midfield.
Mark had five attacking players on his substitute’s bench and three – Dallas, Alex Pritchard and Nick Proschwitz were on as The Bees struck their late winner.
It was Toral’s first league start and Mark said he was delighted with the midfield player, on loan from Arsenal.
“We were at home against a very good team and we wanted to send out a message of intent,” said the Brentford boss.
“We can’t sit back and defend a lead; we have to be on the front foot.
“And we need players that want to be on the front foot.
“I was delighted with Jon Toral, and to have a player like Alex Pritchard on the bench shows where we are at the moment.
“Jon hasn’t started a game and got a bit tired.
“Alex came on and we wanted to carry on attacking.
“That will always be our way.”
Odubajo set up the equalising goal with a 50 yard run before squaring to Gray to slot home from the edge of the penalty area.
He was also involved in the winner, scored by Dallas.
“Alan McCormack has been outstanding for us,” said Mark.
“He fully deserved his new contract and we are delighted to have him here.
“His injury is unfortunate.
“I always refer to the squad and we have options, Nico Yennaris is coming back from injury.
“In the first half I thought Moses was a little tentative, hesitant in going forward.
“In the second half he was outstanding.”
In past games Brentford have used Alan Judge and Pritchard ahead of Jonathan Douglas in midfield.
Mark explained why he used Toral and Diagouraga, named Man of the Match by the sponsors after the win, as part of the central trio against Derby.
“You have to respect the teams you play,” he said.
“Our analysis this week was all on Derby’s strengths and how our strengths can exploit their weaknesses.
“Dougie has got forward well and scored goals, we didn’t want to temper that and you saw today he got in the box.
“Toumani kept the ball well and took up good positions.
“He had great pitch geography.
“He dominated the middle of the park; I was really pleased with his performance.”
After being under pressure for much of the first half, Brentford dominated after the break.
Mark said his side looked like they were enjoying the game.
He said they had to maximise those good periods in games, which they did yesterday, scoring twice.
“I don’t talk about momentum, I talk about belief,” said Mark.
“If the players play like that and if you enjoy your job you do it better.
“In the second half we looked like we were enjoying it.
“We got on the ball, calls went our way, we won second balls.
“The whole momentum, as you might call it, goes our way.
“We have to maximise the good periods.
“Today you saw us do that.”
Match winner Dallas was playing for the first time since mid-September.
He picked up a thigh injury while on international duty with Northern Ireland earlier that month and although he played afterwards he needed a break.
Mark said it was great to have him back.
“Stuart had a frustrating injury,” said the Brentford boss.
“It was awkward for him but our medical team looked after him.
“He is a naturally fit boy, his gym work and conditioning work, allied to his training meant I had no hesitation in using him.
“He knows where the goal is and enjoys scoring.
“He has a knack and an eye.
“It is great to have him back in the squad.”
Full post-match reaction from Mark Warburton is available here for Bees Player subscribers.