Head coach Thomas Frank has challenged Brentford to show their character over the coming weeks after they succumbed to a 5-1 defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
Although the Bees made the trip to St James' Park on the back of just one win in five matches, they had at least gotten back on track with a goalless draw at Bournemouth last weekend.
However, after having an early goal ruled out for offside by VAR, Brentford were outclassed by their hosts, who responded in emphatic fashion after Ivan Toney had initially got the visitors back to 2-1 early in the second half.
A Bruno Guimaraes double and efforts from Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron put Newcastle 4-1 ahead before Ethan Pinnock netted an own goal during the closing stages.
After the game, Frank acknowledged that he had been left "fuming" with the capitulation, admitting that the manner of the setback in the North-East had surprised him.
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Speaking to Match of the Day, Frank said: "Last year, even though we were playing in the most difficult league, I never thought we would ever lose five on the bounce, we did. In general I never thought we would concede five goals, we did today. In life and football it is about how you respond to setbacks.
"If you want to win football matches it is relatively important you don't make one, two, three, or four mistakes leading to goals. To make four mistakes then you lose football games and basically that is it.
"I am a big believer that if you lose 5-1 then don't complain but first goals in games can shift the momentum. I was looking at our stats that when we went in front in the Premier League 13 times we won 11 them.
"We are of course fuming. I can feel my anger bursting around inside me. It is the same as the players and we will bounce back."
Results elsewhere have ensured that Brentford still remain four points clear of the relegation zone, occupying 12th spot in the table with half of the 10 fixtures for matchday nine still remaining.
Brentford are next in action when they play host to Brighton & Hove Albion on October 14.
Darren Plant
