Let’s hope Brentford have learned how not to spend over half a match wasting time when we meet this afternoon at their gaff.

For whilst I admire their season, and are fond of Cinderella clubs, I had little time for the way they handled themselves at the London Stadium last year.

Statistics show that the  on average that the ball remains in play for around 53 minutes in  Premier League although when Manchester City are at their swashbuckling best it rises to over 60.

However, Brentford – based on the home match against us last October –  are an entirely different kettle of fish and those that were at the match – or watched on TV as Hammers supporters – were left totally frustrated.

Foe the stats showed that the match was only being used ON the pitch for 42 minutes – the worst of any game in the PL last terms. Just not good enough.

Thanks to Gonzo for the research.