But Frank is understandably circumspect. He points to last season, when Brentford were on 19 points after 15 matches and comfortably 11th in the table. But a run of 11 defeats in their next 14 games plunged them into relegation danger.
That dire run saw Frank recalibrate his side’s attack, with evident results.
“We started well last season for 11 or 12 games, then injuries hit us hard,” Frank said. “So we have tried to add layers, be more controlled and make more breakthroughs, playing more forward. We have showed we have a lot of good offensive players.”
The upshot is Brentford winning five successive home league games for the first time since February 2021 in the Championship, and it’s the first time they have done so in the top flight since 1936.
There are certainly still weaknesses to be patched up, notably in defence. Both Mbeumo and Wissa’s goals were followed four minutes later by Newcastle equalisers.
Brentford have now both scored and conceded at least two goals in the first half of three different Premier League games this season – only Newcastle in 1994-95 have done so more often.
Frank also acknowledged his side are much less fearsome outside west London. In seven away games they have collected just one point, a goalless draw at Everton.
“I would like to carry on this home form – some wins on the road would be welcome too,” he told Lineker.
But for now, Brentford fans will continue to dream of a concerted push for a first ever European campaign. And if Mbeumo and Wissa remain in the unplayable form seen against Newcastle, it could be more than a dream.
