Brentford down their Playoff demons to make it to the Premier League

Brentford finally got themselves promoted via the Playoffs at the tenth time of asking as they beat Swansea City 2-0 to get to the top flight for the first time in 74 years.

Brentford got to the final after beating Bournemouth in the semi-finals, while Swansea got there after putting Barnsley aside over two legs.

How did the game pan out? Did Brentford deserve the win over Swansea City?

The Bees came out of the blocks at a rapid pace and won the game in the first 20 minutes. The first goal came with the first real attack of the game, winger Sergi Canos cut in from the left to slot the ball into the box. It then became a race between Bryan Mbuemo and Swansea keeper Freddie Woodman, with the former winning the race and being taken out by the keeper.

Ivan Toney calmly slotted away the penalty and his 33rd goal of the year to calm the Brentford fans in the stands.

Brentford stayed on the front foot but their second came from an opposition throw-in into their own box. The throw-in was cleared to Mbuemo, who ran with the ball deep into the Swansea half. He then lifted the ball across the box where Emiliano Marcondes drilled the ball home to double their advantage.

With the Welsh side reeling, Ivan Toney unleashed a sublime volley from outside of the box that hit the underside of the bar and bounced on the line and out to safety.

Swansea failed to form a real breakthrough for the rest of the half, and the last year’s finalists went into the break with all the confidence in the world.

Swansea were the better side at the start of the second half and had their only real chance of the game when Conor Roberts crossed to Andre Ayew who could only glance the header wide of the post.

All hope that the Swans had was dashed as midfielder Jay Fulton was dismissed for a challenge, that at first glance looked horrible but at second looks was an unfortunate slip. Either way, the red card was brandished, and Swansea had to see the game out with ten men.

The red card near enough signalled the end of the game, and Brentford were promoted to the Premier League and can look forward to playing the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool next season.

Brentford Boss Thomas Frank admitted he had sensed this win coming:

"“I just sensed this week – Thursday, Friday, this morning at the hotel – the players were calm, relaxed and ready to be ruthless.”“I am so pleased and humble and proud to be part of this journey with a lot of fantastic, dedicated, intelligent people.” (via BBC Sport)"

The north London side makes it to the top flight after falling in the final a year ago. They will be taking the likes of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbuemo to the Premier League along with their statistic based recruitment and you will be seeing a lot more about them on this site.