Dean Smith believes Josh McEachran orchestrated Brentford's unlucky 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Bees from Chelsea last year, looked strong at Griffin Park but his tired pass allowed the Magpies' Daryl Murphy to head home the winner.

Despite his error, head coach Smith has praised the midfielder's performance against the current Championship leaders.

"After 10-15 minutes, Josh McEachran got on the ball and orchestrated the game, that is what he can do,” said Smith.

“He has great awareness, great technical ability, he's getting fitter and fitter and it's unfortunate he ends up giving the pass away and they score the winner."

Josh McEachran

Smith also praised Philipp Hofmann's contribution to the game after he was brought on as a last-minute substitute for John Egan.

Many fans were hoping to see top goalscorer and West Ham target Scott Hogan but Smith kept the striker on the bench and said after the game it was for the club's long-term interests.

"Hofmann gave a different dimension as Lasse [Vibe] was getting chances and Josh Clarke gave us a bit more pace."

Lasse Vibe equalised after Dwight Gale's first-half goal gave Newcastle the lead, but the striker also had several other chances to put Brentford ahead.

There were also three penalty decisions not given in Brentford's favour with Hofmann, Tom Field and Vibe on the receiving end of Newcastle's contentious actions, while John Egan felt he was held in the penalty box as well.

"I think it was normal service resumed for not giving penalties. There were two or three blatant penalties for me that were not given.

"I've seen back Hofmann's and their defender is going away from the ball, Hoff is going to challenge for the ball and he's got his fist in his shirt and the referee is looking straight at him.

"Likewise in the first half when Tom Field gets tripped. I've not seen the Lasse Vibe one in the last minute but we certainly should have been given a penalty today."

Newcastle manger Rafa Benitez also praised Brentford's performance against his side, who saw goalscorer Gayle and midfielders Isaac Hayden and Vurnon Anita forced off through injury.

Rafa Benitez at Brentford FC
Rafa Benitez at Brentford FC

The Spaniard said: "I think for us it was a difficult game. We knew they were playing well, at home especially, and we would have to be solid in defence."

“And then playing the way they wanted to play to know the weaknesses of their team and then approaching how to make profit on that.

“I think we did it in the first minutes and after we were suffering in defence because they were passing and moving the ball well.

“We have to consider to lose three players to injuries, you have to adapt your team all the time. It was not easy, but they did really well.”