Igor Thiago made Premier League history as Brentford strengthened their standing in Europe with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
Thiago, who scored a hat-trick in the last game against Everton, was back in goal to give his side a seventh win in 11 home league games and punish Enzo Le Fe’s terrible Panenka penalty attempt.
With this, Thiago overtook Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha to become the most-scoring Brazilian in a single season in Premier League history, taking his tally to 16 this season.
Igor Thiago’s 15th Premier League goal of the season made him equal the most goals scored by a Brazilian player in a single season.
Thiago got off to a good start and was able to break the deadlock by reacting to a pass from Vitaly Janert, turning Robin Rufus and slotting the ball into an empty net.
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The Brazilian continued his form with his 15th goal of the season, giving Brentford the lead against Sunderland.
Sunderland fought hard in the second half for an equaliser, but were given a golden chance when Brian Brobbey was brought down by Christopher Ajer. However, Caoich Kelleher held on and made an easy save, allowing Enzo le Fey to take the worst of Panenka’s shots.
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For Enzo Le Fey, this Panenka try against Brentford was an unforgettable moment.
The midfielder will soon be made to pay the price. Seconds after Kevin Shade fired a shot onto the wooden frame from close range, he turned provider as Thiago headed home to double the advantage.
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Brentford forward Igor Thiago heads home to make it 2-0.
Yehor Yarmolliuk added a third goal with a powerful finish from close range, his first in 90 appearances, leaving Brentford in dreamland and guaranteeing three points for Keith Andrews’ side.
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Yehor Yarmolik added Brentford’s third goal against Sunderland.
When the final whistle rang, Thiago said, “I didn’t expect to score this much, but I just want to keep going,” and Brentford moved up to fifth place. Meanwhile, Sunderland have fallen to 10th place.
Andrews: I don’t want to replace the ‘precious’ Thiago with anyone
Igor Thiago celebrates scoring for Brentford
Brentford manager Keith Andrews said after the game:
“He’s a valuable asset to us. It’s the first time he’s played so many games in such a short period of time. So when he got that knock, it was always in my mind to look after him and take advantage, but when he’s scoring two goals he’s obviously going for a hat-trick in a row. I know how he does it.”
“He’s been sensational. The way he attacks in the league, the way he develops games. I think you can see that in the type of goals he’s scoring now compared to earlier in the season.”
“He’s obviously really good in the air. Calmness and confidence in front of goal. And it’s not just the goals. It’s his overall performance and selfless way of playing the game.”
“He’s not just a centre-forward who sits between the two centre-backs and tries to score goals. He’s all action. He leads the line, moves the channels, presses back. He’s great from set-pieces. He’s a complete centre-forward.”
Brentford’s Igor Thiago celebrates goal
“I value him and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else.
“I’ve said it before: I think anyone who thought he was this good probably wasn’t being completely honest because you don’t know how many players come from the Bulgarian or Belgian leagues and get injured straight away and have an impact on the Premier League like this.
“I think he’s really ahead of schedule. He’s exceeded my expectations, but I have to say his mentality is the best I’ve ever met. He’s always developing his game.”
Le Bris: Le Fay will learn from his penalty mistake
Enzo Le Fe will learn from his missed penalty, according to Regis Le Bris
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris said after the game:
“When we win, we respond as a team. Even when we lose, we respond as a team. It’s not just an individual problem, it’s a team-wide problem.”
“If you don’t take risks, you won’t make mistakes.
“That’s always the case. Let’s learn from this lesson and move forward.”
On whether he thinks Sunderland will be active in January:
“Not at this time. We’ll have to wait a little while.”
Brentford teaches big boys how to make positive change
Fans have been wondering who will fill the hole left by Ivan Toney. Brian Mbeumo and Yoan Wissa have stepped up.
After these two left, Igor Thiago took over. A serious injury early in his Brentford career put all his eggs in his basket. And what a decision it was.
Five goals in his last two games, including a double against Sunderland, have cemented the Brazilian into Premier League legend. His 16 goals in the Premier League this season are more than any other player from his country has achieved so far.
Bearing in mind that it’s still early January, this is something of a feat for a player who should be looking to qualify for the summer’s World Cup.
More importantly for Brentford fans, his goals could see them remain European contenders again next season, something they would have never dreamed of when the inexperienced Keith Andrews replaced beloved Thomas Frank. He certainly stepped into the spotlight without any problems.
All these changes that happened to the bees over the summer seemed to spell disaster. However, soccer is an interesting sport and has become popular again.
Callum Bishop
