Brentford secured a convincing Premier League victory at home to Sunderland, with striker Igor Thiago netting a decisive brace. The match, however, will be remembered for a moment of hubris from Sunderland's Enzo Le Fée, whose attempted panenka penalty was easily caught by Bees goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.
Thiago Shines in Dominant Brentford Display
The home side, under the guidance of head coach Keith Andrews, started brightly and never truly looked back. After Kevin Schade was denied early by Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs, the breakthrough came following a midfield turnover. Vitaly Janelt won possession from Nordi Mukiele and slid a perfect through ball for Igor Thiago, who calmly rounded Roefs to slot home.
Brentford continued to press, with Keane Lewis-Potter striking the crossbar from a free-kick just before half-time. Thiago, fresh from a hat-trick at Everton, was a constant menace, though his search for a second goal before the break was thwarted by a smart Roefs save and some hesitant build-up play.
Le Fée's Panenka Disaster Proves Costly
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris made a double substitution at the start of the second half, and his side did create chances. However, their best opportunity to equalise arrived from the penalty spot after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Black Cats striker Brian Brobbey.
Enzo Le Fée stepped up but produced a woefully underhit panenka attempt. Kelleher barely had to move, standing his ground to make a simple catch. The moment drew jeers from the home support and visibly frustrated the Sunderland bench.
Thiago Seals the Points
Brentford swiftly punished the visitors for that miss. Shortly after Schade hit the bar, the ball was recycled and Thiago fired in his second goal of the afternoon. The Brazilian forward was denied a second consecutive hat-trick by another good Roefs save before being substituted as a precaution following an ankle knock.
The scoring was completed when Yehor Yarmolyuk tapped in from a corner, highlighting the continued impact of set-piece specialist turned head coach Keith Andrews. The result extends Brentford's impressive form and fuels dreams of European qualification, while Sunderland's run without a win continues.
The defeat for Sunderland was compounded by Le Fée's penalty embarrassment, a moment that summed up a difficult afternoon for the visitors. Despite the return of defender Dan Ballard from injury, they were second best for large periods. Brentford's cohesive performance, spearheaded by the in-form Thiago, suggests Andrews' appointment is proving to be an inspired decision.
