Brentford and Bournemouth share spoils in dramatic draw

By Cesar Medina

2nd Sep 2023 | Football


A narrow tie at home as Thomas Frank's men hold off the cherries (image via Brentford FC/X).
A narrow tie at home as Thomas Frank's men hold off the cherries (image via Brentford FC/X).

A thrilling encounter at the Brentford Community Stadium ends in a dramatic 2-2 draw as both teams showcase their attacking prowess and resilience.

A much-anticipated clash between Brentford and Bournemouth had football fans on the edge of their seats. Brentford, who survived a scare in the EFL Cup against Newport County, fielded a more familiar lineup, welcoming back Mee from injury in the heart of their defense. The anticipation of Neal Maupay's return to Brentford was high, but the former striker was not involved.

Bournemouth, fresh from a dramatic 3-2 victory over Swansea City in the EFL Cup, made just two changes to their lineup. Cook and Senesi came in for Rothwell and Lloyd Kelly, who was the subject of a deadline-day bid from Spurs, and Luis Sinisterra was absent after joining on loan from Leeds United.

The history between these two teams favored Brentford, who had won their last four home games against Bournemouth and were unbeaten in 10 matches at home against the Cherries since 2005.

First Half:

The action started early, with a moment of madness from Bournemouth's Neto leading to a free-kick for Brentford. Jensen capitalized on the opportunity, curling the ball past Neto, who was caught out of position, and giving Brentford a 1-0 lead in the 7th minute.

Bournemouth had a golden opportunity to level the score in the 19th minute when Christie danced past Pinnock but failed to pull the trigger, allowing Solanke to inadvertently clear the danger.

Brentford came close to doubling their lead in the 23rd minute when Schade hit the post with a powerful volley under pressure from Neto.

Bournemouth responded with chances of their own, with Billing and Christie going close but failing to find the target.

However, it was Solanke who made it 1-1 for Bournemouth in the 30th minute, cutting inside and firing a low finish under Flekken after dispossessing Mbeumo.

Both teams continued to create opportunities, with Pinnock missing a free header for Brentford, and Kerkez's cross causing chaos in the Brentford box, only for Flekken to make a crucial save.

Half Time:

The first half ended with both teams level at 1-1. Jensen's opportunistic free-kick for Brentford was canceled out by Solanke's composed finish for Bournemouth. The woodwork also played its part, with Brentford hitting the post twice.

Second Half:

Brentford continued to press for a go-ahead goal in the second half. Mbeumo had a glorious chance in the 47th minute but missed the target from close range. Aarons received a yellow card for dissent as the game grew more heated.

Brentford hit the woodwork again in the 59th minute, with Wissa striking the base of the post. Substitutions followed as Brooks came on for Semenyo for Bournemouth, and Neto was booked for time-wasting.

Jensen and Iraola were both booked as tensions flared on the field. Bournemouth made further substitutions, with Tavernier and Lewis-Potter entering the fray, while Frank responded with changes of his own.

Brentford continued to threaten, with Norgaard's header forcing a fantastic save from Neto and Lewis-Potter hitting the post. However, it was Bournemouth who took the lead in the 77th minute, capitalizing on a dreadful back pass from Henry, allowing Brooks to round Flekken and score.

Brentford pushed for an equalizer, and in the dying moments of stoppage time, Mbeumo capitalized on a defensive error to slot home and make it 2-2.

Full Time:

The thrilling encounter ended 2-2, with both teams showcasing their attacking flair and determination. Brentford took an early lead through Jensen, but Bournemouth fought back, with Solanke and Brooks putting them in front. However, a late equalizer from Mbeumo ensured that neither side deserved to leave empty-handed. The Brentford Community Stadium witnessed a memorable clash that will be remembered for its dramatic twists and turns.

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