Before the 2025/26 season got underway, many predicted that Keith Andrews’ Brentford would be one of the prime Premier League relegation candidates this season. But why were expectations low for the West London side, and how have they outperformed expectations so far this season?
Why Were Brentford Initially Labelled as Premier League Relegation Candidates?
Throughout this summer, Brentford lost many key figures, including the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard, as well as the manager himself, Thomas Frank, leading to the appointment of Keith Andrews as manager.
However, the replacements for each departure were frequently labelled inadequate, thus indicating why Keith Andrews’ Brentford were supposed relegation candidates for many people at the start of the season.
Andrews himself took the role as manager following a role as set-piece coach at the club, with no previous managerial experience. Although some Brentford fans chose to trust Andrews and other senior figures already at the club, opposition fans and some Brentford fans questioned the appointment.
When Christian Norgaard departed the club, the Bees opted to bring Jordan Henderson back to England from Ajax. This move was questioned as Henderson has hit the latter stages of his career, and his time at Ajax was by no means smooth, leading some to question his suitability to return to the Premier League.
Further acquisitions that were questioned by opposition fans included the signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a staggering fee and the acquisition of Reiss Nelson from Arsenal. Nelson’s game time has been limited so far due to injury, a concern throughout his career, which may further limit his game time for the rest of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
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Keith Andrews’ Brentford – How Are the Relegation Candidates Overperforming?
Following the recruitment, mass changes in the summer and the first eleven matches of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Keith Andrews’ Brentford sit 12th in the Premier League table, six points ahead of 18th, where some expected them to be.
Whilst it is early in the season and many things may change, six points is a healthy gap for them to have between themselves and the Premier League relegation places. The Bees have also produced some memorable performances this season, beating Manchester United and Liverpool and drawing against Chelsea.
Under new leadership, Keith Andrews’ Brentford have reproduced some of the characteristics they possessed under Thomas Frank. They have often been stubborn and tough to beat this season, as well as being a physical presence on the pitch.
Furthermore, they have acquired an additional threat from long throws this season, whereby they have been more prolific, thanks to the abilities of Michael Kayode. The use of long throws is reflective of a new theme throughout the Premier League, where other teams have opted to utilise the tactic.
Finally, Brentford have an in-form player up front by the name of Igor Thiago. The Brazilian striker has scored eight goals in 11 games for the Bees, hitting form that nobody expected after such a long injury layoff for the player last season, and putting himself in contention for the Brazil squad.
Alongside Thiago, former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has gained plaudits for his performances, in addition to full-back Michael Kayode.
Conclusion
Keith Andrews’ Brentford were a side that were written off by many at the start of the season, as their recruitment was questioned, leading to the label of Premier League relegation candidates.
At the time of writing, that label seems to be a vastly historic and forgotten label for this season, with the likes of Wolves and West Ham filling that void.
However, there is still some time left in the season, and Brentford fans will be hoping that the Bees continue to perform well.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / News Images
Recording Date: 09.11.2025
