Ghoddos heads Brentford past plucky Luton
It was neither perfect nor pretty, but the head of Saman Ghoddos ensured Brentford’s first league game of 2021 ended in victory. The Iran international netted the con
test’s only goal 14 minutes in, securing a fourth straight Championship win for the Bees some 21 days after their last.
Thomas Frank’s side will enjoy more pleasing nights, but they are now 16 unbeaten in the competition.
“We started sharply, but they were the better team in the second half – we were too passive and threw the ball away,” Frank said. “The last 45 minutes were extremely painful to be part of. We were three out of 10 for quality, but 10 out of 10 for work ethic and attitude. The players dug in and on balance I still think we deserved to win.”
There was no evidence of any rustiness as Brentford stroked it around early on, and they deserved their lead. Ivan Toney’s whipped
first-time delivery was inch perfect, Ghoddos nodding home his second in five days with ease.
Luton mustered little before the break, but grew into the game as it wore on and controlled the secondhalf tempo.
But for all their industry, they failed to test David Raya, Harry Cornick scuffing a decent chance from 12 yards.
Toney should have made it more comfortable, twice within a minute wasting chances that could have punctured the tension.
In added time, both sides were reduced to 10, Tom Lockyer seeing red for an alleged off-the-ball clash with Toney. “There is no contact,” said Jones. “It is very disappointing. I am sure when Toney sees it he will be slightly embarrassed.”
Brentford’s top scorer received a second yellow and will miss their FA Cup clash with Leicester City.
Brentford (4-3-3): Raya; Dalsgaard, Sorensen, Pinnock, Henry; Ghoddos (Zamburek 83), Janelt, Jensen; Mbeumo (Fosu 74), Toney, Canos (Forss 73). Subs: Daniels (g), Good, Dervisoglu, Roerslev, Stevens, Gilbert. Booked Mbeumo, Toney. Sent off Toney.
Luton Town (4-3-3): Sluga; Bree, Lockyer, Bradley, Potts (Naismith 76); Berry (Tunnicliffe 64), Mpanzu, Dewsbury-hall (Hylton 80); Moncur (Clark 64), Collins (Lualua 65), Cornick. Subs: Shea (g), Pearson, Rea, Nombe. Booked Bradley. Sent off Lockyer.
Referee Stephen Martin (Staffordshire).