Brentford’s clash with Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday night revealed an interesting tactical instruction involving defender Michael Kayode.
According to TNT Sports commentary, Kayode was told by Brentford staff to abandon short throw-ins and instead launch the ball into the box at every opportunity. Commentator Darren Fletcher shared that the directive came straight from the bench, with Ally McCoist joking that Kayode might be “fined” if he took another short throw.
Kayode’s long throws have quickly become one of Brentford’s most dangerous weapons under new boss Keith Andrews, who was previously the club’s set-piece coach. The Italian’s powerful throws created the opener against Liverpool, as Dango Ouattara capitalized on chaos in the box to score.
Kevin Schade later doubled Brentford’s lead before Milos Kerkez pulled one back for the Reds just before halftime — a goal that frustrated the home side given it came in the 49th minute of a three-minute stoppage time period. Some fans argued the added time was extended due to delays caused by Kayode drying the ball before his throws.
Kayode’s remarkable throw-in ability was first noticed while playing for Italian side Gozzano in Serie D. Speaking to The Times, he said the skill came naturally at 16 and that he still practices for several minutes after training each day.
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Deeney Questions Salah’s Place in New-Look Liverpool
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has suggested Liverpool may need to move on from Mohamed Salah after the forward’s recent dip in form.
Writing for The Sun, Deeney praised Salah’s legacy but claimed his “selfish tendencies” could hinder Arne Slot’s more collective system. Salah, who was benched in the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, has managed just three goals in 12 matches this season — a stark contrast to his 34-goal haul last term.
Slot, however, remains confident in his star forward, insisting in Friday’s press conference that Salah’s goal-scoring touch will return soon.
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Ex-Liverpool Coach Defends Throw-In Tactics
Thomas Gronnemark, Liverpool’s former throw-in coach, has responded to online criticism accusing him of “ruining football.”
Gronnemark, who joined Liverpool in 2018 under Jürgen Klopp, defended his methods by highlighting that he helped the club rise from 18th to 1st in “throw-in possession under pressure.” He clarified that most of his training focused on “fast and clever” throw-ins, not just long ones.
With long throws now resurging across the Premier League, Brentford boss Keith Andrews recently noted that using the tactic is simply “smart football,” not a sign of “snobbery.”
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Elliott’s Aston Villa Situation Raises Questions
Harvey Elliott’s lack of minutes at Aston Villa has sparked speculation that a contract clause may be preventing his appearances.
The 22-year-old joined Villa on loan from Liverpool with an obligation to buy set at £35 million if he reaches 10 appearances this season. However, he’s featured only five times and hasn’t played in the last two league matches.
Fans believe Unai Emery is deliberately limiting Elliott’s minutes to avoid triggering the clause. One supporter joked online that Emery was “spreading Elliott’s 10 appearances over the season.”
Despite Villa valuing Elliott’s talent and attitude, his future remains uncertain — with some predicting he could return to Liverpool as early as January.
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