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Brentford's Faltering Form: An Analysis of Recent Struggles

Brentford's promising start to the season has hit a roadblock in recent weeks, as the club has found itself without a win in their last four matches. With the team relying heavily on the performances of their standout player, Bryan Mbeumo, there are growing concerns about his potential departure in the January transfer window. Manager Thomas Frank addressed these concerns directly, emphasizing Brentford's commitment to retaining their star player.

Mbeumo's Stellar Season

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Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as one of Brentford's key players this season, showcasing his skills and potential. At the age of 25, Mbeumo has started all 18 Premier League matches, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists. His consistent performance has made him a reliable asset for the team, particularly after previous seasons where he displayed gradual improvement, netting four and nine goals in his first two seasons, respectively. Despite facing an ankle injury at the end of the last season, Mbeumo's early-season form has made him an essential player for Brentford, and his presence on the field is greatly missed during their current struggles.

Transfer Speculations

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In response to inquiries about February approach for Mbeumo, Thomas Frank made it clear that any interested clubs would need to make a significant offer to pry the forward away from Brentford. The manager's comments suggest that while Mbeumo is a coveted player, Brentford is unlikely to let him go easily. With a history of losing star players to bigger clubs—such as Neal Maupay, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney—Brentford's management is well aware of the market dynamics and the challenges of holding onto their best talents.

Injury Concerns

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Moreover, Brentford's current injury situation adds to their woes. Defender Ben Mee has been ruled out for their upcoming match against Arsenal due to a minor muscle injury, and the outlook is uncertain for goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who left the pitch early in their last game. Frank provided updates that suggest a number of players are unavailable, creating additional pressure as they prepare to face strong opponents like Arsenal, against whom they have struggled in recent encounters.

Looking Ahead

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Historically, Brentford's matches against Arsenal have been challenging; since their first-ever Premier League victory against the Gunners in August 2021, Brentford has yet to secure a win in their last five meetings with them. Despite this, the team's home record remains impressive, with 22 points amassed at the Gtech Community Stadium this season.

Part 6/6:

As Brentford navigates this tricky phase, supporters will hope for a return to form and the ability to keep hold of their star players, especially Mbeumo. The management and coaching staff may need to find ways to adapt tactically, while also addressing the pressing injury list to improve their fortunes in the remaining matches of the season. The upcoming game against Arsenal will be a crucial test, not only for the team's standing but also for reinforcing their resilience in the Premier League.