Nathan Collins was immense for Brentford, as they claimed yet another scalp in the Premier League with victory at Stamford Bridge early on Saturday afternoon.
Since breaking the Irish transfer record with his move to the Bees from Wolves during the summer, Collins has impressed at club level, and has now moved into the starting XI at the expense of the experienced Ben Mee.
Collins backed up his selection by nullifying Chelsea's attack in the face of relentless possession for the home side, and enjoyed some well-earned praise from Brentford fans in the aftermath of their latest famous Premier League win.
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Nathan Collins earns high praise for crucial role in Brentford win
It has been a tricky start to the Premier League season for Brentford, who have already had to face several of the Premier League's big guns.
They have struggled to pick up consistent results, and were in need of a flashpoint to kickstart their season - and they may well have got it with Saturday's smash-and-grab victory at Stamford Bridge.
With Chelsea enjoying the vast majority of possession, Brentford struck on the break midway through the second-half thanks to a pinpoint header from Ethan Pinnock, and would hold on to their lead in the face of relentless pressure before Bryan Mbeumo was given the chance to roll the ball into an empty net for a second deep into stoppage time.
West London is ours again 💪 pic.twitter.com/MLQKMwOTOq
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) October 28, 2023
The Brentford victory was thanks in no small part to the efforts of Pinnock and his fellow centre backs, Kristoffer Ajer and Irishman Nathan Collins.
Collins, in particular, was immense at the back, contributing several interceptions, and winning almost all of his battles for possession with the Chelsea attack.
The Leixlip native ultimately chalked up six duels won from seven, five clearances, a block and three interceptions, and an impressive pass success rate of 76% from centre back, in a stellar performance.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, Joe Cole would praise the showing of the Brentford rearguard:
You have to give Brentford a lot of credit for what they've done today. The back five and the midfield boys in front of them were outstanding defensively.
Thomas Frank has done it again, he's come to an away game and he's got the job done.
Peter Crouch went on to echo Cole's comments, saying Brentford had perfectly executed their game plan:
From a Brentford point-of-view, you have to say the game plan worked to absolute perfection.
We knew what Thomas Frank was going to do, he said it before the game, he was going to have a tight midfield, five at the back, and rely on the pace of Mbeumo and Wissa up front. That's exactly what they did.
There was no doubt on social media who the standout players among the Brentford squad were, with the back three of Ajer, Pinnock, and Nathan Collins earning high praise from fans of both Brentford and, in Collins' case, Ireland.
Ajer, Pinnock, and Collins at the back 🐝 pic.twitter.com/tWQGQpU8Nb
— Ben Pawlak (@benpawlak4) October 28, 2023
Ajer, Pinnock and Collins were all fucking brilliant today.
Best defensive performance of the season, without a doubt— Joshua Hirst (@JoshuaHirst13) October 28, 2023
Nathan Collins masterclass
— UnitedÉire. (@UtdEire_) October 28, 2023
Nathan Collins #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/iMvY6tGqqY
— HQ (@iA7if) October 28, 2023
Unreal move by Nathan Collins to go to Brentford, best CB on that pitch today 👀
— Ali 🇱🇾 (@alieltumi) October 28, 2023
Nathan Collins and Pinnock 🔥
— Ayanda (@AyandaLFC) October 28, 2023
Pinnock, Collins, Ajer and Norgaard have all been immense today. This is some performance at the back.
— Jake (@JL2_1889) October 28, 2023
Nathan Collins has been unreal today
— mitch 🇿🇦 (@THFCmitch) October 28, 2023
Nathan Collins, i see you my boy.
— Sine (@hayiSinelizwi) October 28, 2023
Nathan Collins is a fantastic player
— Childish Shambino (@waddayeat) October 28, 2023
Nathan Collins stellar performance 🙌. #CHEBRE
— ማኑሔ | Manuhe 🇪🇹 (@ManuheF) October 28, 2023
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