Brentford 1-1 Leicester: Harvey Barnes’ second-half equaliser cancels out Mathias Jensen’s opener

It’s been almost seventy years since Brentford last beat Leicester and Brendan Rodgers will be grateful that the streak continued this afternoon.

Both teams were far from their prime here, but Harvey Barnes’ equalizer early in the second half after Mathias Jensen’s first goal for Brentford helped at least stem the rot on the Northern Irishman’s side.

This point halted their losing streak that stretched to six games, but it has in no way eased relegation fears. That threat remains very real with the Foxes only out of the relegation zone by one point and two places.

The fact that this result is seen as a disappointment for Brentford highlights just how different the paths both clubs are on at the moment.

The Bees maintained their remarkable record of suffering just one defeat at home this season, which returned in September against league leaders Arsenal, and this draw should not put an end to dreams of a first foray into Europe.

After a well worked corner routine, Mathias Jensen found himself with space to shoot on the edge of the box.

A deflection by Ricardo stranded Foxes goalkeeper Daniel Iversen when the ball crossed the line.

They were, it’s easy to forget, a championship club just two seasons ago and they’re still just five points away from a Europa League place.

Perhaps the clearest sign that the pressure is starting to take its toll on Rodgers was his decision to sideline goalkeeper Danny Ward, who had started all 26 Premier League games so far this season, and give him a debut. in the Premier League to Daniel Iversen.

It’s understandable why he made that call. Only Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have conceded more goals so far this season. But trade their goalkeeper now with arguably the biggest game streak in the seasons to come? It seemed like a big gamble and one that can often lead to ridicule.

Leicester were at least heartened by the fact that their four away wins this season is more than the number they have managed at the King Power Stadium (three). And after weathering an early storm at Brentford, they created the clearest openings in goal in the opening stages.

Harvey Barnes played a perfect one-two with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall before his shot sailed just over David Raya’s left post before Patson Daka struck Ricardo Pereira’s cross wide. The Zambian striker then fired just over the top after first reacting to Ethan Pinnock’s worn clearance. However, Bryan Mbeumo fired a warning shot for the hosts, with a shot just wide from inside the box.

Brentford’s insistence on passing out from corners can invariably lead to some difficult plays. But that, along with Leicester’s failure to clear their lines, led to the first goal.

Mbeumo’s early cross was blocked by Dewsbury-Hall, but Bees captain Mathias Jensen reacted first and beat Iversen through a deflection from Ricardo Pereira.

That first goal left Leicester needing to do something no team has managed in 23 attempts against Brentford in the Premier League: come from behind to win. They weren’t able to do that here, but, to their credit, they did well in the second half.

The architect of Leicester’s tie, which came seven minutes into the second half, was James Maddison. He played a nice through ball to Harvey Barnes, who ran towards the goal before producing a good kick on Raya.

Patson Daka struggled to find target as Leicester failed to register a shot on goal in the first half

The visitors came out strong after the break and equalized with a goal from Barnes

The jubilant star ran to celebrate with substitute Kelechi Iheanacho after leveling the game.

Bee stopper David Raya cleverly managed to avoid being dispossessed while out of position.

Substitute Shandon Baptiste was sent off by the hosts after two bookable offenses

Leicester continued to grow in confidence with Brentford boss Thomas Frank desperately seeking some answers from the bench. But he couldn’t find any and it has to be said that one of Brentford’s few shortcomings is his strength in depth.

There was an almost horrible moment for David Raya, who ran out of his goal to clear a long pass from substitute Jamie Vardy that was intended for Barnes.

Raya twisted and turned. And then he dawdled and dawdled some more before finally throwing the long ball. The Brentford fans were able to breathe deeply in relief. Their frustration was compounded by the late sending off of substitute Shandon Baptiste, who was shown two yellow cards in the span of four minutes.

Ultimately, it was a result neither Frank nor Rodgers will be particularly pleased with, but it keeps both sides in contention to meet their end-of-season goals. Those goals really couldn’t be more different.