Andrews highlights importance of making full use of squad after indifferent start against Black Cats

Post match thoughts : Picture by Capital Football

Keith Andrews admitted his side were not at the races in the first half of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland in west London.

The Bees looked distinctly out of sorts during the opening period and so it came as no surprise when head coach Andrews made three changes at the break.

He saw that call pay off when Vitaly Janelt volleyed the hosts in front in the 57th minute.

However, Enzo Le Fee’s penalty rescued a point for the Black Cats eight minutes from time after Keane Lewis-Potter held back Wilson Isidor in the box.

Andrews said: “It had a lot in it, the game. In the first half we didn’t hit the levels that we have.

“Why? Obviously the way they played was pretty good, very respectful of the way we’ve been playing with the system and personnel that they went with. But we weren’t ourselves, we were a little bit off it.

“Second half I thought we did the basics very well, which allowed us control and a little bit more territory.

“We just looked more like us, which I really liked. We got ourselves in front and then there was obviously lots of different decisions that went for us, didn’t go for us. We take a point and we move on.”

Andrews’ triple change clearly made a difference, although the Bees chief felt there would have been a positive response even had he left things as they were.

The Bees boss explained: “It was easy in hindsight. I think if we had played the same XI in the second half I think there would have been a reaction, but that’s why we have a squad.

“That’s why we’ve added. As I’ve discussed previously, sometimes the decision of who starts and who doesn’t start are so fine.

“I just felt like we needed that renewed energy and personality and opportunity for players to come on and utilise the squad because as I’ve already alluded to I was disappointed with some of our play in the first half.”

Although far from impressed by the officials, there were no complaints about the decision which went against Lewis-Potter for Sunderland’s spot kick.

Andrews added: “I always look at us first and I think we can do better. I must say I wasn’t bowled over with some of the officiating today, which as you know I rarely say. But on that particular one (the pen) I felt we could have done better.”

Brentford suffered an early blow when skipper Nathan Collins was forced off with a calf injury after only 17 minutes. Andrews says time will tell how serious that will prove, but was full of praise by the impact made by £13m summer signing Jannik Schuster made from the bench on his Premier League bow,

“Very well,” replied the Irishman when asked to rate the Austrian’s impact after coming on.“It is not easy playing against a centre forward like (Brian) Brobbey. Then obviously when Isidor comes on it is an out-and-out front two that causes you different problems.

“I thought he stood up to that test really, really well. I’m not surprised. He has got an amazing character and personality. I think he will be a big player for us for years to come.”