Brentford 1-1 Sunderland:
It proved to be a point apiece in west London after Enzo Le Fee’s 82nd minute penalty earned a point for Sunderland at Brentford.
Le Fee’s late spot-kick sent Bees keeper Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way to cancel out Vitaly Janelt’s 57the minute opener, as the 1,703 travelling supporters in a crowd of 17,131 celebrated in the September sunshine.
Prior to their second 1-1 draw in a week, Brentford boss Andrews made a single change from the side that drew against Leeds United at Elland Road last Sunday, with Dango Ouattara coming in for Jaidon Anthony, who dropped to the bench.
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris also opted on one switch from the Black Cats 1-0 win over Fulham when the Frenchman handed Kevin Danso his debut, following his loan move from Spurs
Danso was involved in the action early on, but not in the way he would have wanted. Dan Ballard’s excellent finish past Bees keeper Caoimhin Kelleher counting for nothing, following referee Thomas Bramall taking an age to decide the Black Cats’ No4 was adjudged to be in an offside position, after VAR told him to check the monitor. Not an auspicious start to his Sunderland career for new boy Danso.
With Le Bris’ side starting well, Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey thudded the post after 20 minutes following good work from colleague Enzo Le Fee.
The visitors certainly had much the better of the first half with Nordi Mukiele steering his header wide when well placed.
Cheered on by the passionate travelling fans – the experienced Granit Xhaka cannily swapping ends after winning the toss, with the intention that the Sunderland team would attack the end where their support was massed – Le Bris’ side dominated the opening 45 minutes, even if the score remained goalless at the break, following eight minutes of added time.
Perhaps stung by the visitors commanding first half show, Bees boss Andrews made three changes at the break, including Yehor Yarmoliuk for Mamadou Sangare, who, prior to the match, had been superb in Brentford’s opening games of the season. following his £38m summer move from Lens.
The new impetus nearly paid dividends when Robin Roefs blocked Igor Thago’s header, as the home side started brightly.
Brentford were not to be denied, with a superb strike from Janelt to put the home side ahead on 57 minutes, the Bees No27 reacting first to Mukiele’s faltering clearance, as the team and jubilant fans celebrated gleefully.
However, as the clock ticked down, with Andrews side looking to add another win to their already excellent start to the fledgling season, Keane Lewis-Potter was adjudged to have brought down Wilson Isidor in the box.
Despite the home side’s protestations, with eight minutes remaining Le Fee calmly slotted past Kelleher to ensure it was honours even in the sunshine near the Thames at Kew Bridge.
