Kasey’s killer with first touch
DEBUT goals from Elias Kachunga and substitute Kasey Palmer – with his first touch in senior football – left Huddersfield boss David Wagner beaming over his lively attack.
The Terriers dominated possession against a lacklustre Brentford side that lacked pace and creativity. And with Huddersfield winning at home on the opening day for the first time since 2007 and in front of a bumper crowd, Wagner could not have asked for more.
“I thought we performed well. In offence we created some good opportunities and in defence we looked very concentrated. We know how strong Brentford are,” said Wagner.
“We are so happy with the way we performed in front of this great crowd. The atmosphere was outstanding and I felt something special could happen.
“I had a good feeling before the kick-off. We created good opportunities and we are happy.
“The fans were really great. To have such a support behind us in the first game helped us massively. The crowd support is unbelievably important. They gave us energy and helped us to perform.
“It was a good day for the whole group. We were a team. Goals early on in the season are good for strikers and I’m really pleased for Elias Kachunga. He worked hard for the team. And in Kasey Palmer, we have a very good talent.”
The hosts started brightly with Jack Payne and Rajiv van La Parra firing wide from distance.
Brentford’s first chance arrived midway through the first half as the lively Scott Hogan was denied by Terriers keeper Danny Ward.
The home side deservedly took the lead on 50 minutes when Kachunga stole ahead of Josh Clarke to meet Tommy Smith’s right-wing cross and power a header low past Daniel Bentley from six yards.
But the visitors equalised on 77 minutes when substitute Nico Yennaris raced through on the left and drove a low shot through the legs of the onrushing Ward.
Their joy was short lived though as within two minutes van La Parra burst through and though he saw his shot well saved by Bentley, the loose ball fell kindly to 19-year-old Palmer.
The Chelsea loanee composed himself and finished into an empty net to send the home fans into raptures.
And while Bees manager Dean Smith pointed to an injury epidemic, he drew positives from the performance.
“The first half was disappointing. We were organised but second best to the ball and they were brighter than us,” he said.
“There was lots of spirit about the team but we lacked quality. We were missing a little bit of pace which we’re looking to get in.
“We’re a young team. We know we’ve got work to do but I was pleased with the spirit of the players. They kept going.
“Our organisation looked good and I thought we frustrated them. Our plan was always to change it on 60 minutes as we’ve got players lacking fitness.
“I don’t want to make excuses but we do have injury problems. We’ve not got the bodies for wholesale changes midweek but we do have to protect players. We’ve got some long term injuries. We train with energy and commitment and as football is a contact sport, we will pick up injuries.”