Sawyers admits 'mind games' in build-up to Villa clash

Bees boss Thomas Frank claimed in the build-up that a 4-4-2 formation would be used but as the team took to the field they reverted to their now customary 3-5-2.

In a game settled by Neal Maupay’s late winner Sawyers admitted to using the tactic on the former Brentford boss to get the upper hand.

“It’s all mind games,” said the midfielder.

“We tried to throw him off what we were going to do by indirectly lying as to the formation we were playing.

“We’ve changed formation since he’s left so we tried to keep him guessing as to what we were going to do.”

New Position?

Moses Odubajo and Sergi Canos were selected as wing-backs, and although Odubajo is comfortable in the position, Canos is unfamiliar with the role having usually been deployed as one of the front three.

Injury to Henrik Dalsgaard however forced the Brentford Manager to shuffle his pack.

“Thomas (Frank) had to find a solution,” said Canos.

“They asked me if I was comfortable there and I said of course, I’m always going to give 100% and I think today I did ok.

“If he wants me to play there again I’m happy, number ten- I’m happy, number nine – I’m happy, as long as I play, I’m happy.”

READ: Smith slams 'pathetic' decisions after Brentford leave it late

Maupay Praise

Canos nearly opened the scoring in the opening moments with an audacious 30-yard volley which was tipped over, and despite that setting the tone for a dominant display from the home side it wasn’t until the 91st minute that the deadlock was broken.

“If you watch it back it’s an amazing finish,” Sawyers said of Maupay’s strike.

“Getting it, shifting it and sticking it in the top corner.

“He got kicked around the place all game too so I think he’s really happy getting one over the centre backs.”

Brentford now sit 15th knowing that they win their game in hand they can jump two places.

This weekend the Bees travel to Swansea to fight it out for a place in the FA Cup quarter-final.