Keith Andrews was high in praise of Jordan Henderson, Michael Kayode and Igor Thiago after the Bees left it late to record a vital 3-1 win over Burnley.
After last week’s disappointing defeat at Brighton, Brentford made amends by maintaining their respectable home record, with only Chelsea and Manchester City leaving the Gtech with any points.
Andrews was full of praise of Henderson, who continues to run the show in midfield and his performance did not go unnoticed by the Bees head coach.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews applauds the fans after their 3-1 win over Burnley (Image: PA)
“He was alright, wasn’t he?”, Andrews said.
“I thought his presence on his assist will obviously get the headlines, I suppose, and they’re obviously huge. The moments that he’s able to produce, the calmness, the type of pass, and obviously the execution of the pass, stroke cross. Really, really impressive. Not surprised because he’s obviously done it for us a lot this season.”
“But his general presence and leadership qualities on the pitch today, I thought, really shone through.”
After breaking a stubborn Burnley defence, Brentford gifted them back a route back in to the game after Michael Kayode had fouled Jaidon Anthony in the penalty area.
Andrews defended the right-back for his error and reminded how good the Italian has been since joining the club.
“I think Michael Kayode has been nothing short of a sensation for us. And I think everybody, some people forget the age some of these players are.
Will every action be perfect? Absolutely not. Will he learn from that? I think so. “But he was exceptional, particularly in the second half. I thought this afternoon about how he approached the game going forward.
He gave us that real verve and energy and dynamism down the right-hand side, which I thought we didn’t quite get in the first half at times. But he’ll learn from it. That’s the nature of it.”
Igor Thiago scores his and Brentford’s second goal in the 3-1 win over Burnley. (Image: PA)
It was another fantastic afternoon for Igor Thiago, who made it five Premier League goals this month with his double.
Andrews admitted he didn’t foresee the impact the striker has had this campaign given his injury struggles last season.
“Probably not if we’re being honest because it’s not normal is it for players to come from Bulgarian, Belgian football, have a year out injured more or less, and then impact the Premier League in the way that he has.
“So I’d be probably telling porky pies if I said I would have anticipated this. So I knew he would have a serious impact on the league because of the attributes he has physically and the type of player he is.
“But the goal return and the overall performance levels have obviously been really, really impressive.”
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