New Delhi: In the fast-paced world of Premier League football, Brentford has carved out a unique record that few could have predicted. Scoring within the first minute of play in three consecutive Premier League matches the Bees have solidified their reputation as fast starters and a team to be reckoned with. Mbuemo’s quickfire first-minute goal against the Hammers helped them become the first team in Premier League history to net inside the first 40 seconds in three successive games.
It all began on 14 September when Brentford faced Manchester City, followed by Tottenham and West Ham. The consistency with which Brentford has struck early in these matches highlights not only their strategy but also the sharp execution of their players.
Brentford’s quick strikes
Yoane Wissa’s goal vs Manchester City (14 September)
In the match against Manchester City Brentford executed their plan flawlessly. From the kick-off, the ball was played back to goalkeeper Mark Flekken who launched it long into City’s half. Brentford’s attackers were quick to react to the loose ball pressing high up the pitch.
A cross from Kristoffer Ajer on the right found Keane Lewis-Potter, who nodded the ball back across the goal. A stroke of luck came when City defender John Stones failed to clear allowing Yoane Wissa to head in the opening goal just 22 seconds into the game.
Bryan Mbeumo’s strike vs Tottenham (21 September)
The following week, Brentford faced Tottenham Hotspur, and once again the Bees were off to a blistering start. Similar to their approach against Manchester City, Brentford played the ball back to Flekken who sent a long ball deep into Tottenham’s territory. The loose ball was quickly worked to Keane Lewis-Potter on the left wing whose cross found Bryan Mbeumo who volleyed home at the front post, scoring after just 23 seconds.
Mbeumo’s volley vs West Ham ( 28 September)
By the time West Ham took the field, they were well aware of Brentford’s quickfire goals in the previous two matches. Despite preparing for an early onslaught they too fell victim to Brentford’s rapid start. This time, the Bees slightly adjusted their kick-off routine playing the ball back to a defender before launching it long.
The Hammers struggled to clear the ensuing crosses, and after Fabio Carvalho headed the ball forward, Mbeumo was in the right place to volley it into the net. The goal, timed at 37 seconds, sealed Brentford’s unprecedented feat of scoring inside 40 seconds in three consecutive games.
A perfect blend of strategy and execution
Brentford manager Thomas Frank, understandably proud of his team’s achievements credited planning and execution for their remarkable starts. “Of course there is planning that goes into it,” Frank said after the draw against West Ham.
“We have a kick-off strategy, and we tweak it from game to game. And as a mindset and philosophy, we like to get straight on the front foot and be positive.”
While Frank acknowledged the role of luck, he was quick to emphasize the credit his coaching staff and players deserved. The well-coordinated approach ensured Brentford could press their opponents immediately after kick-off with the players fully committed to winning second balls and keeping their opponents on the back foot.
West Ham’s struggles
Despite preparing extensively for Brentford’s early blitz, West Ham could do little to prevent themselves from becoming the latest victim. “We have to be embarrassed,” said West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek. “We saw how they scored those two goals [against Tottenham and Manchester City], and they did it against us. We all prepared very well for it, and we still conceded.”
Brentford’s achievements this season may not be confirmed as a world record but what is clear is that their feat is unprecedented in the Premier League. The only other club to come close was Everton during the 1998-99 season when they scored in the opening minute in three separate matches.
However, no team before Brentford had managed to score inside the first 40 seconds in three consecutive Premier League games.
A Sign of more to come?
For Brentford, this string of early goals speaks volumes about their attacking mentality and disciplined game planning. If their opponents can’t adapt quickly enough to their fast starts, the Bees will continue to rise to the Premier League table. As Frank and his squad continue to fine-tune their tactics, Brentford’s early scoring exploits may become one of the defining narratives of the 2024-25 season.
Brentford made Premier League history by scoring in three consecutive matches in the first minute of a game. Discover how their fast starts helped them achieve the rare feat. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
