Brentford boss Thomas Frank hailed his team’s professionalism as they provided the perfect response to defeat at Millwall with a 4-0 thumping of ten-man Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Bryan Mbeumo set the Bees on their way with a sixth-minute opener, before City defender Ashley Williams was given his marching orders inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour for impeding Ollie Watkins.

Said Benrahma doubled the visitors' lead towards the half-hour mark, before Watkins notched a brace late on to send Brentford up to third in the Championship table.

And following his side’s fourth victory in six games, Frank was full of praise for his players, including young duo Mads Roerslev and Jan Zamburek, both of whom grabbed assists in the West Country.

“It was a good game and a very professional performance,” the 46-year-old said. “It’s not always easy to play against ten men but I think we handled it very well with a top attitude.

“The players really stepped up and showed what they’re made of after our disappointing result against Millwall, so I was really pleased.

“Overall I’m happy with how we’ve done over the Christmas period. I would’ve liked more points for sure, but the effort and performances have been there and hopefully we can take that into the rest of the season now.

“Emiliano Marcondes returned which was a big positive and it was great to see both Mads and Jan contributing in a really positive way.

“The work that I see Mads put in every single day on the training pitch makes the decision to rest Henrik [Dalsgaard] so much easier, and I’m really happy with how he’s developing on the pitch.”

Denmark youth international full-back Roerslev has impressed all at Griffin Park since making his first-team debut in late November, and he explained how grateful he is for the faith shown in him by his manager.

And with the team having returned to West London with four goals and a clean sheet in tow, the 20-year-old was pleased to help provide the Brentford fans with the perfect start to 2020.

He said: “Thomas has shown he believes in me and I’m just pleased to have got another opportunity. I’m always keen to take these chances and contribute towards a positive result.

“It’s been really easy to transfer from Brentford B to the first team because all the players are preparing to get to the top. It’s been very natural, and I’m just pleased to get the chance now to show what I can do.

“The red card changed the game in our favour, but we managed to give the fans what they wanted and that’s the most pleasing thing.”