Brentford head coach Thomas Frank is hoping his side can finish the Premier League campaign with a flourish after recording a “statement win” over Luton last weekend.
The Bees breezed past the Hatters – with goals from Yoane Wissa, Ethan Pinnock, Keane Lewis-Potter and Kevin Schade condemning the hosts to a 5-1 defeat at Kenilworth Road.
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It leaves the West Londoners on the verge of safety and with a 10-point cushion to 18th-placed Luton ahead of the final four games.
But despite their Premier League status all but confirmed for the 2024-25 campaign, Frank is keen to see his players push on, starting with a win against fellow strugglers Everton on Saturday.
He said: “I think it was a statement win – we’ve had a few over the last few years – not only in the fact we won but the way we performed throughout the game.
“Everything Luton threw at us we controlled and we were such a threat going forward.
“It’s been a tough season – every one is in the Premier League, no matter where you are in the table.
“But this season in particular because of injuries and other things that have been happening.”
💬 Thomas Frank on Ivan Toney’s fitness
“Ivan is progressing. He is better and a, qualified, hope he is available for Saturday. There is one more training so let’s see.”#EVEBRE pic.twitter.com/H6CH0ZHPeo
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 25, 2024
Brentford won’t be able to match their record finish of 9th from last season but they have still picked up some memorable results against Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Injuries have played a huge part in the Bees’ struggles and the return of both Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo will be a big boost for Frank heading into the final stretch.
He added: “I think the big thing is we knew that we’d miss Ivan for a big part of the season, and of course it was a loss but I was confident that we went into the season and didn’t buy another striker.
“We got Neal [Maupay] in on loan to help the squad, but I thought the other players were good enough.
“But if you also take out the next player in line, which is Bryan, then it becomes a bit tricky.
“Let’s see what happens with Ivan. But it’s important to see the quality we have in the squad. It was promising.”
