Soccer
Brentford’s Keith Andrews enjoys tactical side of ‘proper’ game with Sunderland
Keith Andrews was left relishing his tactical battle against Sunderland counterpart Regis Le Bris after Brentford fought out a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.
A late penalty from Enzo Le Fee, whose failed panenka in this fixture last season was a rare low for the Black Cats, rescued a point after Vitaly Janelt had thumped Brentford in front early in the second half.
Sunderland could have had the game won before half-time. Dan Ballard had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR for offside, before Le Fee struck a post as the visitors dominated.
Andrews made three changes at the break, having also lost captain Nathan Collins to injury midway through the first half, and his team turned back the one-way tide on Le Bris’ team, Janelt lashing them into the lead before Keane Lewis-Potter fouled Wilson Isidor and Le Fee redeemed himself from the spot.
“I thought it was a proper game,” said Andrews. “We’ll have areas where we’re not happy, but I think it’s a proper game of football. It’s what the Premier League is all about.”
Asked how he felt about the tactical duel with his opposite number, he said: “It’s what makes me feel alive. Our players going toe-to-toe with a really good team, a really good coach and the way he sets them up, all those things unfolding, every different aspect of the game, what you do with the ball and without it.
“I thought it was an enthralling game that had so much in it. I do enjoy that side of it.”
Andrews was unhappy with the officiating in the game. There was frustration from supporters after eight minutes when a VAR delay of almost five minutes was required to rule out Ballard’s effort, with Kevin Danso adjudged to have been blocking the eye line of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford conceded an 82nd-minute penalty when Lewis-Potter was deemed to have committed a holding offence against substitute Isidor.
“I don’t tend to go on about the officials too much,” said Andrews. “I don’t want to discuss them more than I already have because I’ll talk myself into trouble.
“I didn’t like the flow of the game. I thought there were instances where it wasn’t quite under control. Some of the decisions weren’t right for me.”
Sunderland boss Le Bris reflected on a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal from his team whilst they were on top.
“I was really happy and pleased with our first half,” he said. “It was probably one of our best first halves in the Premier League so far because Brentford are a really good team at home. But you have to be clinical.”
Of the decision to rule out Ballard’s goal, he said: “It’s always tough. We respect the decision.”
