Reiss Nelson starred in his first start for Brentford as the Bees advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a resounding 5-0 win, ending League Two Grimsby Town’s memorable run in the competition.
Although the Bees led 3-0 at halftime, the first 20 minutes told a very different story. Grimsby had more than 60 per cent possession of the ball than any other Premier League side, with Charles Burnham and Evan Khouri both making saves at their near posts. A repeat of the win against Manchester United looked like a possibility.
But after Grimsby gave away the ball easily on the edge of their own box, Mathias Jensen’s superb finish from distance changed the course of the game, leaving Arsenal loanee Nelson in control from then on.
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Matthias Jensen put Brentford ahead with a stunning curling effort against Grimsby.
The 25-year-old made classy runs and crosses to set up Keane Lewis-Potter at the back post for Brentford’s second goal, before curling in the Bees’ third in a commanding move. It was his first goal in 403 days since his loan spell at west London neighbors Fulham Rats was cut short due to injury.
Then, within nine minutes of the second half, Brentford extended their lead when Fabio Carvalho was brought down by Khouri in the box. The Brentford midfielder, who was linked by some media outlets on Tuesday with a departure in January, put his foot down to take the spot-kick.
Captain and substitute Nathan Collins headed in Jensen’s corner kick to level the score at five points. Brentford’s set-piece threat was highlighted on an easy night for the Bees.
More to come.
Spotlight: Nelson’s impressive goals and assists
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Kean Lewis-Potter doubles Brentford’s lead with a magical assist for Reiss Nelson…
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…and Nelson curled in Brenford’s third.
Analysis: Have Brentford become carabao candidates?
Sam Blitz of Sky Sports:
What a few weeks for Keith Andrews. Manchester United, West Ham and Liverpool have been sent to the Premier League, and are currently pushing their way into the last eight of the Carabao Cup.
And he achieved that final feat with a fringe group of players, making nine changes from the team that beat Liverpool at the weekend.
Brentford initially struggled to go from being underdogs against Liverpool to becoming favorites in this match, but their ability to attack teams on the break has made them a great cup team. That’s how their first two goals came about.
Surprise the big teams, punish the weaker ones – the Bees can do it all. It’s very difficult to play against them.
So would anyone actually want to play this Brentford team in the quarter-finals, and would that team be a Carabao Cup contender?
