Brentford 2 Wigan Athletic 0: How social media reacted

Championship top-goal scorer Neal Maupay scored a brace on his return from suspension as Brentford beat Wigan Athletic comfortably at Griffin Park.

Prior to Saturday’s Championship encounter, Latics made one change from their previous match against Rotherham United before the international break.

James Vaughan, who scored the winner against the Millers a fortnight ago, was awarded with a spot in the starting line-up, replacing Will Grigg.

Brentford FC made a bright start and came close to breaking the deadlock through Neal Maupay.

Maupay was gifted with a golden opportunity after Reece James’ attempted back-pass to Christian Walton fell short and played the striker through on goal, however Walton made an outstanding save to his left to deny Maupay from point-blank range.

The Frenchman was a nightmare for the Latics’ defence all afternoon, causing endless problems with his movement and pace, and had another effort well-saved by Walton shortly after his first.

Maupay having already been denied by Walton twice, demonstrated the expression of ‘third-time lucky’ by converting a low cross from six-yards out to give the hosts an 24th minute lead.

Latics’ tough ask to get back onto level terms at Griffin Park became increasingly more difficult when skipper Sam Morsy was shown a straight red card for dangerous play with 30 minutes to go.

The Egypt international received his marching orders after he clashed heads with Yoann Barbet in the middle of Brentford's half.

Any Latics’ hopes of returning back to the North West with points in hand were dashed when Maupay bundled home to score his second of the afternoon in the 63rd minute.

Latics’ struggled to create any goal-scoring opportunities to even spark a late resurgence and found themselves lucky to only be behind by two at Griffin Park.

Brentford almost added a third in the final 10 minutes, with Lewis Macleod forcing Walton to make another fine save from distance.

The Bees could not find the elusive third goal, but they held on, and condemned the Latics to back-to-back away defeats.

Brentford moved to second following their domineering victory, whilst Wigan dropped to 11th.

Latics fans were gracious in defeat on social media and hailed Brentford for their outstanding performance on Saturday afternoon.

@DanRodenby: “Brentford one of the best sides I've seen in Championship for a long, long time. Pressed us, attack with pace and quality. Very good side, deserved 4/5 today. We go again Tuesday.”

@PeteMillward79: “Time to get ready for Tuesday now. Was always going to be a tough game. Some wounds self inflicted, others you just have to say fair play to a good opponent. Been a bit of both today.”

@dazzer2012: “Just back from Brentford- never really got going today - thought Brentford played some decent football. Wouldn't be surprised if they ended up pushing for a promotion place. Two home games next - lets go again & get back to winning ways on Tuesday - early days yet.”

@joemmtweets: “I can’t complain about losing to a strong Brentford side. We’re definitely not good enough to compete at the moment, but I’m confident we’ll finish mid-table.”

@robgibson82: “Fair play to #BrentfordFC by far best side we've faced this season. Won't have many harder trips away this season. Very good side. Poor from us today , never got going. 2 home games in row to put that right..”

@Nath_cole39: “Fair play to Brentford, definitely top 6 this season and good enough for top 2, sometimes you have to congratulate your opposition.”

The main discussion point post-match between both sets of fans was the controversial dismissal of Morsy, with fans openly discussing if the midfielder’s straight red card was the correct call by referee Darren England.

@CSFSPORT(Wigan): “Personally don’t think this is a red. People will have different opinions, but I think that’s a 50/50 which both players have every right to challenge for.”

@JustDaTrooth(Brentford): “Very harsh red I think.. 50/50 ball which both went for..”

@NathanBFC_(Brentford): “Difference was, one player went in with his elbow raised and the other didn’t.”

@davehigham83(Wigan): “Still failing to see where Morsy 'elbowed' their man. Looks to me a 50/50 challenge that Morsy got too 2nd. Harsh red #wafc.”

@GarethHilton4(Wigan): “Seen it now 25 times. I still don't know. I can see why the referee, made the decision. Referees have a tough job. Don't think we should appeal.”

@No1fan__(Wigan): “Trouble was he didn’t con the ref and go down. Staying on his feet cost him the red card. #wafc.”

@FarnhamTownFC (Wigan): “It’s a red card for me. Morsy’s challenge was late as he went in with his head after the Brentford player had got there first. If a player went in late with his studs up it would be a red for dangerous play. If you go in late leading with your head it’s dangerous play.”

@GrahamSmyth(Neutral): “Morsy having a cement head has cost him here. If he goes down, I don't see anyone getting a card at all.”

@matty_ingham17: “Surely that Morsy red card will get appealed, reviewed and overturned?”

@wafc_110513: “#wafc Morsy challenge looked like a clash of heads to me. Others near me claim he led with his arm. I can’t see that, even with replay. The reaction of the Brentford players swayed the ref. Changed the game, as we went from having a slither of a chance of a point to zero chance.”

Brent Eccleston

‏@robinmcmichael(Brentford): “You’re seriously suggesting a player needs to be knocked unconscious to constitute a red card? That’s insane. Morsy was despicably reckless, none of your players argued the sending off and Paul Cook was gracious in defeat. Deliberate or not, saying it’s not a red card is daft.”

@brentwafc: “No arguments over Morsy red card. Intent is irrelevant, don't know why ppl play that card. U put another players health as risk and ur challenge is deemed dangerous, 9 times out if 10 its gonna be red.”