Frank: Where Brentford have 'stepped up' | OneFootball

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has praised his side's defensive efforts in recent weeks.

The Bees, who host Everton at Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.30pm kick-off GMT), have secured back-to-back away wins and clean sheets against West Ham and Leicester City.

With those victories making it four successes in a row on the road, Frank also discussed his side's five-game winless run in west London.

“We actually consistently perform well at home," said Frank. "I know we haven’t won in the last few games but they have been good performances.

“I think we performed well against Tottenham but just couldn’t score. We created a lot of opportunities but couldn’t get it over the line.

“It’s all about our performances. The thing we have done very well over the last six games is that we’ve been even more solid.

“We’re still a big threat going forward, but defensively we’ve taken a step up if you look at the last four games. The amount of shots and xG has been going down considerably which is good."

Wednesday's visitors have been rejuvenated following the arrival of former boss David Moyes last month, distancing themselves from the relegation zone and claiming a dramatic 2-2 draw in the final Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park a fortnight ago.

Frank explained what he has made of Everton following the Scottish manager's return to the Toffees.

“Sean Dyche did a very job at Everton. What happens sometimes is that another good manager comes in with new eyes and a fresh energy.

“In terms of style, I don’t think it’s changed too much. There’s small tweaks and small details. The main reason, maybe, is the change in personnel.

“[Jake] O’Brien is playing left-back, [Jesper] Lindstrøm is playing more regularly as a right-winger, [James] Garner is playing in the midfield and has been really, really good for them - and there’s Beto up front.

“Everton have looked a threat going forward in the last couple of games. It’ll be a good challenge with the way they put crosses in the box, the way they compete physically and are a threat on set-pieces as well.

“They’re in very good shape. I think David Moyes has done a top job and they’re in form so I expect a very difficult game on Wednesday night."