Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said he was “proud” of his players after a “magnificent” performance in a 1-0 win at Leeds United.
The Bees were victorious at Elland Road yesterday, securing their win when Alex Pritchard smashed home a Toumani Diagouraga cross at the far post.
Mark, speaking after the match, said his side were slightly below their best in the first half but they should still have been ahead as Andre Gray and Jota were both denied by Leeds goalkeeper Marco Silvestri in one-on-one situations.
Mark said The Bees improved after the break and he was delighted they got a win they deserved.
“The boys were magnificent,” said Mark.
“We had three one-on-ones in the first half and we dominated the second half, we could have been out of sight.
“But they had chances at the end, there is a big, demanding home crowd and we knew what threat they would pose.
“We showed great character, I am delighted for the boys and very proud.
“It was a really good three points.
“In the first half, and the boys would be first to say, we were ten per cent below our best.
“We weren’t quite at it, all over the park, we were taking an extra touch, not being half a yard closer to the man – everything was just a bit off the pace.
“We knew if we stepped it up we would be fine.
“I thought it was a very good performance.
“This is a daunting place to come, the pitch wasn’t the best, and I am so proud of the performance.”
Leeds played 4-4-2 with Steve Morison and Billy Sharp up front.
Mark said his team had to play through the home side’s pressing game and he knew if looked after the ball they dominate the later stages.
“Leeds have played 4-2-3-1 in recent weeks but playing Sharp and Morison told us what their intent was,” said the Brentford boss.
“They gave us some problems out wide in the first half but we dealt with it.
“We dealt with their width and posed problems with our width.
“Our analysis was that they would press high, they have had two good results and Academy boys full of energy and quality but when you break the first press there are holes in behind.
“That was our plan for the game.
“They pressed well but we broke it and we had chances to be out of sight in the first half.
“If we look after the football the other team are working.
“You see teams tire after an hour when we do take care of the ball.
“We were deserved winners.”
The goal came 20 minutes in to the second half and Mark admitted he was a little concerned that his team only scored one with the chances they had, which included Jon Toral hitting the post and Silvestri also denying Stuart Dallas and Chris Long.
Leeds could have snatched a point at the end with a late scramble but Brentford held firm.
“I was concerned we hadn’t scored and even after that is was only one goal,” said Mark.
“We hit the post, as well as the one-on-ones in the first half.
“I thought we should have been two or three clear and they had chances at the end.”
The Leeds fans made Elland Road an intimidating place at times, especially when criticising the decisions of referee Graham Salisbury.
Mark said his side dealt with everything that was thrown at them.
“This is a volatile place to come,” he said.
“It is a great place, a great atmosphere and you have to relish it.
“We dealt with it all.
“The players earned it last year.”
Diagouraga, who set up the goal, was making his 200th appearance for Brentford.
He has started 15 of Brentford’s last 16 games and has established himself in the centre of the midfield.
Less than a year ago he spent time out on loan at Portsmouth but returned to play a key role in the Brentford team that won promotion from League One.
“Toumani needed that loan at Portsmouth,” said Mark.
“He could go out play six, seven, eight games and get his confidence up.
“It was a tremendous loan for all parties.
“He was involved at the end of last season and deserved to be.
“There is a lot more to come from Toumani.
“That may sound absurd, he is 27, but he is learning all the time about he can dominate a game of football.
“He can set the tempo; he takes great care of the ball and links the play.
“He takes care of the ball and technically very efficient.
“Toumani will get better.”
Brentford’s next game is at home to Watford on Tuesday.
Mark said the game would not be special, even though he used to work for Watford, unless The Bees won.
Watford won the reverse game 2-1 thanks to a debateable penalty and Mark said Brentford were looking forward to the match.
“It won’t really be special, I know a few people there, but it will be special if we win,” said Mark.
“We went to Vicarage Road and played really well and only came away with nothing because of a bizarre decision.
“We are looking forward to the game, they have won again today.
“It is tight at the top and the margins are fine.
“We are in good form, we are confident and the whole squad are contributing.
“It is a team effort.”
Brentford are now fourth in the table, having moved ahead of Ipswich Town, and are just behind the leading trio – AFC Bournemouth, Derby County and Middlesbrough.
“We have no doubts about the quality of the squad,” said Mark.
“I am proud of the team and there is more to come.
“It is a tight game, the margins are fine.
“If the random luck goes our way, in terms of form and injuries, we will be OK come May.
“The players are there because they deserve to be.
“There are 17 games left; we have to play Bournemouth, Ipswich, Watford and Derby.
“If the players relish it, our unity can take us forward.”
A full post-match interview with Mark Warburton is available here for Bees Player subscribers.