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Brentford falters in debut for Keith Andrews
Brentford loses 3-1 at Nottingham Forest in Keith Andrews' first game as head coach, raising questions about the club's direction and immediate priorities.
Keith Andrews starts as Brentford head coach with a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, prompting questions about the new regime.
Brentford stumble in Keith Andrews first game as head coach
Keith Andrews made his Premier League debut as Brentford head coach with a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest. The 44-year-old former player stepped up from set-piece duties after Thomas Frank left for Tottenham, but Brentford fell behind early when Chris Wood headed in from a corner following a misplay between goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and captain Nathan Collins. The opening goal set the tone and Brentford could not recover in the first half, marking a rough start to a campaign with high expectations. Their outcome on opening day mirrors a rare setback in their recent history, as they conceded three goals on the first day for the first time since 2004-05.
After the break, Brentford showed more structure and pulled a goal back through Igor Thiago on a penalty, but the damage was done. Andrews spoke after the match to BBC Match of the Day, acknowledging the need to address set-pieces and to get back to basics. He added that the second half was better on several fronts, signaling a potential path forward if the team can improve its discipline and fight in every phase of the game.
Key Takeaways
"It was always going to be difficult but we made it harder for ourselves."
Andrews after the Forest loss
"Set-pieces were always going to be a threat."
Andrews on game plan
"The second half was a lot better on a lot of fronts."
Andrews on halftime performance
Promoting from within can signal confidence in a club’s long-term plan, but it also invites swift scrutiny when results slip. Brentford’s defeat underscores a tension between continuity and urgency in the Premier League, especially if set-piece weaknesses persist. The early goals exposed defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion that must be addressed quickly.
The second-half improvement offers a blueprint for progress: tighter organization, sharper execution and a more defined effort level. If the team can translate that performance into consistency across fixtures, there is room to grow. Yet the club faces a period of pressure from fans and critics who will want to see tangible gains soon rather than later.
Highlights
- It was always going to be difficult but we made it harder for ourselves
- Set-pieces were always going to be a threat
- The second half was a lot better on a lot of fronts
Brentford faces early season scrutiny
The defeat and the choice to promote from within invite quick judgment about succession planning and the club’s ability to deliver in the short term. Public reaction and potential backlash could rise if results do not improve rapidly, and budget or squad decisions may come under closer review as fans demand clarity.
Brentford will need to translate early momentum into a steady, credible run of results
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