Brentford manager Thomas Frank praised Newcastle United, after the team played some good attacking football at the weekend.
The Magpies played out a 3-3 draw with the Bees.
Eddie Howe’s side went behind twice, but showed good character to get back on level terms.
It could have been a first three points for the hosts, with Joelinton squandering a great chance late on.
The Brazilian did score earlier on and have a good game though.
It was nice to see Newcastle playing with intent and being proactive.
Under the previous manager, the team so often set up to defend and counter-attack.
Previously, it has all been very reactionary.
On Saturday though Newcastle were good on the ball, and had 23 shots at goal.
The performance left Brentford manager Frank quite impressed.
He said (via Shields Gazette): “Yeah, 100%. Definitely more front-footed. Definitely much more aggressive in the pressure, and I think you saw the first steps of a team that wanted to play a bit more.
“That’s the most difficult thing to train and improve, and I think you saw the first signs.”
Newcastle, of course, played without Howe actually being on the touchline following his positive test for Covid.
Frank offered his thoughts about what the Toon boss might have made of his team’s showing.
He added: “I’m pretty sure Eddie would say ‘we need to do a lot better’, not because it was bad, but I think he would say ‘there’s bits and pieces we need to do even better’, but you see very aggressive, very front-footed, and on the ball much more willingness to keep possession.”
Howe will be encouraged by Newcastle’s showing against Brentford
It is likely Howe will have largely liked what he saw on Saturday.
There was a real improvement in Newcastle playing with the ball, and there was lots of intensity.
Obviously Newcastle’s defence leaves a lot to be desired though.
Undoubtedly, the new owners need to get new players in in January to shore things up.
Ultimately, the goal needs to be for Newcastle to have that solidity at the back, so the forward players’ contributions can be more meaningful.
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