By our Football Reporter at the Gtech Community Stadium
IGOR THIAGO is no longer just a striker; he is a West London deity.
The Brazilian sensation continued his relentless assault on the Premier League record books last night, bagging a clinical brace as Brentford swatted aside Sunderland 3-0 to climb into the dizzying heights of fifth place.
While Thiago provided the Samba flair, Sunderland’s evening was defined by a moment of pure madness from Enzo Le Fée. With the game at 1-0, the Frenchman attempted a cheeky “Panenka” penalty that went horribly wrong, leaving Bees keeper Caoimhín Kelleher—a superstar in his own right since his move from Anfield—standing still to catch the ball like a loaf of bread.
Thiago, who arrived with big boots to fill, has now officially overtaken the likes of Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Martinelli for the most goals scored by a Brazilian in a single Premier League season.
He opened the scoring on 30 minutes, latching onto a Vitaly Janelt through-ball, dancing around Robin Roefs, and slotting home with the ice-cold composure of a man who knows he’s the best player on the pitch.
Sunderland, featuring the veteran steel of Granit Xhaka, struggled to cope with the Bees’ intensity. Xhaka’s trademark long-range rockets were neutralized by a Brentford midfield anchored by the evergreen Jordan Henderson, who proved he still has the engine to boss a Premier League engine room.
The turning point came on the hour mark. Brian Brobbey, Sunderland’s big-money powerhouse, was hauled down in the box by Kristoffer Ajer. The Gtech held its breath.
Le Fée stepped up, opted for the Hollywood chip, and watched in horror as Kelleher refused to dive. It was the ultimate “Sunderland” moment, and the Bees made them pay instantly.
Five minutes later, Thiago rose highest to power home a header from Kevin Schade’s cross, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The rout was completed in the 73rd minute when young star Yehor Yarmoliuk smashed home his first goal for the club from a Mathias Jensen corner.
Under Keith Andrews, this Brentford side isn’t just surviving; they are thriving.
With Thiago chasing Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot and Kelleher proving he’s a world-class #1, the Champions League anthem might just be played in TW8 next season.
For the Black Cats, it’s back to the drawing board. They have the stars—Xhaka, Adingra, and Brobbey—but they lacked the sting to match the Bees.
