Sunday 28th May 2023, Premier League, Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford vs Manchester City
To know that my beloved Bees had nothing hanging on the final game of the season, for the second successive season, was a glorious feeling. This time round things could get even better for us though, as we still harboured an outside hope of securing European qualification. First miracle we needed to get there though was to complete the double of treble-chasing Manchester City, who were without Erling Haaland or Kevin DeBruyne today.
Even if that miracle was completed though we would still be relying on other results going our way. All Brentford’s players could focus on was doing their job here at home and see where the pieces fell once all the final whistles had blown.
To those of us who had the privilege of watching on in the baking sunshine, constantly checking the scores from Villa Park and Elland Road, it quickly became crystal clear that the favours we required would not be forthcoming.
Spurs had taken 2 minutes to take the lead up in Leeds and within 10 minutes Villa were ahead as well. With the game at the Gtech still goalless and limping it’s way to remaining so at the break and Spurs (1-0) and Villa (2-1) both winning their respective matches it was clear that our slim chances of European qualification were now entirely done.
Our chances of beating this under-strength City team were increasing with every passing minute of the second half. The illustrious visitors were struggling to create decent openings without their dynamic duo and we are known for finishing strongly. So it would prove to be.
Ethan Pinnock swept the ball home from the outside of his left boot as the ball dropped to him off Mbuemo’s head to win the match in the 85th minute and the home stands exploded with unbridled joy.
With Villa securing their 2-1 win over Brighton this historic victory would not be enough to turn us into a European bus-stop, but nevertheless we were determined to enjoy doubling the champions over.
Even an equaliser from the Seagulls would not have saved our European bacon, as Leeds slumped out of the league with a 4-1 home humiliation at Spurs’ hands.
To be the only team all season to take 6 points off Guardiola’s juggernaut should have had me smiling from ear to ear, but to have come so close to Europe only to see my heroes miss out by 2 points on the final day meant I was left feeling empty as the final whistle blew.
Not as empty as Leeds United fans, who had watched their team succumb willingly to second season syndrome and relegation, nor of Leicester fans watching the team who won the league just 7 seasons ago slipping through the same trap door, despite a 2-1 win over West Ham United on this final day; but empty none-the-less.
Sure, if you’d offered me a 9th place finish for Brentford at the start of the season I’d have snapped your hand off for it. Having come so agonisingly close to going on a European tour, knowing all it would have taken to secure it was turning one of our 14 draws into a win, makes 9th fell like a disappointment.
I’m sure I’ll look back in a few weeks time with pride at the season I have witnessed from Brentford. Being the best team in west London is no small feat after all.
For right now though all I can think of is the 87th minute equaliser we conceded against Villa on April 22nd. So close to capping a sensational season with a spectacular 7th place finish, but yet so far.
Thank you for a brilliant season Brentford, Thank You for a glorious final result.
Thank you for everything Pontus Jansson, you will be sorely missed.
The Football tourist 