Dasilva stunner

Thomas Frank’s men then bounced back in style when they travelled to Wigan Athletic to turn on another impressive display and net three times without reply at the DW Stadium to make it three away wins from three for the first time since April 2016.

It would be Bryan Mbuemo who would open the scoring early on before midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo doubled our lead in the second half with a first-time effort. It would get even better for Brentford when Josh Dasilva netted the pick of the goals with a great strike from distance into the top corner.

A battling three points

The Bees then welcomed Reading to Griffin Park one week later in what was a tight affair, but it would be the home side that would take all the points as Ollie Watkins headed home just after the hour mark to net his 11th goal of the campaign. Thomas Frank’s side had to battle for their win and produced a resolute defensive performance to ensure they would keep a clean sheet.

Brentford would be back on the road a few days later when they travelled north to Ewood Park. An even game for much of the 90 was won on 11 minutes when the home side managed to break away before Stewart Downing crossed for Bradley Dack to find the net. The Bees improved in the second period and would’ve felt, on reflection, they deserved a point on the night. The evening also saw Mads Roerslev make his First Team debut after initial good work with Brentford B earlier in the campaign.

Another memorable Griffin Park result

The Bees certainly wouldn’t dwell on that defeat in the North West as they returned in scintillating fashion by scoring seven without reply at Griffin Park against Luton Town. The Bees scoring seven in the league for the first time since a 7-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle in December 1994. Josh Dasilva managed an excellent hat-trick and there were also goals for Mathias Jensen, Ollie Watkins, Bryan Mbuemo and Said Benrahma as Brentford put in an emphatic display.

A busy Christmas schedule

As always, December would be a hectic month for the fixture schedule, and The Bees would begin the month with a tough trip to Sheffield Wednesday where they would fall to a narrow defeat despite going ahead in the first half through Mbuemo. A double from Steven Fletcher in the second half would then put the hosts ahead and they held out for the win as the Bees travelled back down South without any points.

An unbeaten three matches would follow when Brentford hosted West London neighbours Fulham, and once again in a narrow affair, it was the one-goal that won it when Mbuemo kept up his excellent scoring form to seal all three points with a finish after 22 minutes.

High-flying West Bromwich Albion would be up next for The Bees as they travelled to the Hawthorns four days before Christmas. A close encounter saw The Bees go ahead just two minutes before the breakthrough Henrik Dalsgaard’s header, but they weren’t ahead for long when Darnell Furlong levelled the match amid controversy after Brentford felt they should have been awarded a penalty.

It would be a Boxing Day to remember for The Bees, though, when they beat Swansea City 3-1 at Griffin Park. Another from Mbuemo as well as a finish from Watkins five minutes later gave Brentford a strong start in the opening 30 minutes. Andre Ayew would pull one back on 65 minutes, but Watkins was on hand to net his second of the match just two minutes from time to make it a very happy Christmas for Brentford supporters.

The final match of 2019 then saw The Bees travel to East London to take on Millwall. A defensive error was the difference between the two sides as The Bees were caught in possession and Jayson Molumby closed down David Raya before the ball fell to Aiden O’Brien who fired home.