Brentford head coach Dean Smith hailed his side’s attitude and application following their 5-1 demolition of Championship new boys Rotherham.
Two goals from Neal Maupay and strikes from Sergi Canos, Ollie Watkins and Lewis Macleod gave the Millers a baptism of fire, with Will Vaulks grabbing a late consolation for the shell-shocked visitors.
Even without Swansea target Ryan Woods, who was not in the right frame of mind for the opener, the Bees outclassed their visitors in every area.
“From the outside everyone expected us to win before the game but I expected us to work hard, put pressure on them and perform well because if you do that you get results,” Smith said.
“We created the most chances in the league last year but didn’t convert as many as we should have, so it was good to see the front three all get on the scoresheet today.
“I was disappointed with the goal we conceded at the end. There was a little too much tippy-tappy stuff around the back at 5-0. You don’t get many opportunities to go and push the goal difference up like that and the way I want us to play is to always look to get on the front foot when we have the ball.
“There is a lot of potential in this squad and the application and attitude throughout pre-season has been outstanding from a group of very young lads.”
Smith also revealed that Woods trained on the morning of the game and had given him no indication that he wanted to leave Griffin Park.
“He is under a bit of stress at the moment as his wife is pregnant and close to having a baby, so it was best to leave him out,” he said.
“As far as I’m concerned he’s a member of the squad and his valuation hasn’t been met. It’s as simple as that.”