Brentford bounced back after going a goal down to record a 3-1 west London derby win over Fulham.

The Bees struggled at the start, as if their capitulation on Monday night had shocked them, and they fell behind to Neeskens Kebano's strike before Dan Bentley made a fine save to deny Sheyi Ojo.

However, Sergi Canos broke through the Fulham defence after a fine Ollie Watkins run to level the scores before the break.

Brentford came out of the traps quicker after the break and Romaine Sawyers fired home after Yoann Barbet's free kick struck the post.

Denis Odoi, booked for a silly challenge in the first half and had been given a final warning, made a stupid foul to earn a second yellow and a red. Tom Cairney went close but struck the bar.

And Brentford punished the stupidity and Watkins tapped home after a fine cross from Romaine Sawyers to seal the win.

Much better game management

Brentford celebrate Sergi Canos' goal

For all the valid criticism of Brentford after their capitulation against QPR on Monday night, they showed they had learned the lessons from it.

The Bees kept the ball and repelled Fulham, even though they had 10 men, in the closing stages and made a nervy stoppage time, given the wounds of Monday, go quickly.

Admittedly, Fulham were never going to be a side to lump it into the box so, as long as the Bees kept their shape, they could deal with it.

It's an encouraging sign that the wrongs of Monday night have been so quickly put right. Long may that improved game management continue.

Sublime Sawyers

Romaine Sawyers and Ryan Fredericks battle

Lasse Vibe's injury, coupled with Justin Shaibu's knock and Neal Maupay's suspension, meant that Romaine Sawyers was called upon to play in a false nine position.

He had played in that role before against Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham last season but would have had the benefit of training in that position.

It wouldn't be unkind to say he looked like a midfielder trying to play a strikers' role in the first half but, once they worked out how best to play the system at half-time, the midfielder was excellent.

Indeed, it was the work he did bringing others, like Sergi Canos and Ollie Watkins, that was the best part of his game.

He's now bagged goals against both QPR and Fulham in his time at Brentford. That should make him a popular player, even after his time at Griffin Park comes to an end (and we hope that day is a long way away).

It's a shame to see so many fans, after one misplaced pass even, get on his back.

Wonderful Watkins

Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins returned to form with aplomb, setting up the equaliser before making the game safe five minutes from time.

His run for Sergi Canos' goal was excellent and he showed his team-mates how best to attack Fulham; run at them.

He also played his part in Denis Odoi's bizarre red card, drawing the second yellow for the Belgian, who had been on a final warning after two previously poor fouls.

With extra space after the dismissal, Watkins was a constant thorn in Fulham's side and capped his performance with a goal.

Clarke continues to shine

Josh Clarke

Josh Clarke had a difficult start to the game as he looked to deal with the twin threats of Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Sessegnon.

The latter is highly rated but, if you had told someone that, a young full back was seen as the future of English football and they didn't know which one, they'd pick the Bees star.

Remember, Clarke was seen as a back up for both right sided positions at the start of the season.

Now, it's going to be difficult for Henrik Dalsgaard to force his way back into the side.

Marinus Dijkhuizen may have made a number of mistakes but he saw a player in Clarke and, as time has gone on, the young full back has proven the Dutchman right.

Macleod is back

Lewis Macleod

After 13 months, Lewis Macleod kicked a ball in anger for Brentford once again.

It has been a long old road for the Scot who has had a frustrating three injury hit years at Griffin Park.

The midfielder was subject to a heavy challenge, which would have put the hearts into mouths of Bees fans, but the fact he was able to quickly get up from it was one that would have pleased everyone.

It will take time for him to fully get up to speed but it was an encouraging performance that lacked rustiness, which, if it had been present, would have been understandable.