A spectacular Igor Thiago hat-trick propelled Brentford to a resounding 4-2 victory over a dismal Everton side at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, a result that sees the visitors leapfrog their opponents into seventh place in the Premier League table.
Everton's Flat Start Punished
The match began with an atmosphere as flat as Everton's performance. Despite a bright opening where Dwight McNeil forced a save and James Tarkowski saw a header cleared off the line by Thiago himself, the hosts' threat evaporated entirely after the fourth minute. Crippled by a lack of creativity, with big-money signing Tyler Dibling particularly anonymous, Everton offered nothing until first-half stoppage time.
Brentford, in stark contrast, were composed and dangerous. They capitalised on their dominance six minutes into the second half. After Kevin Schade went down, Tarkowski played a careless pass straight to Vitaly Janelt, who immediately crossed for the unmarked Thiago to guide home his 12th league goal of the season.
Thiago Seals the Deal with Clinical Treble
Any hope of an Everton fightback was extinguished by two Brentford goals in 95 devastating seconds. First, captain Nathan Collins powered in a header from a Janelt corner—ending a run of 95 fruitless corners this season. From the restart, Tim Iroegbunam lost possession, Mathias Jensen played a superb through ball, and Thiago coolly finished past Jordan Pickford.
Beto headed in a consolation for Everton from a Jack Grealish cross, but pushing forward left them exposed. Merlin Röhl's scuffed cross was intercepted by Collins, who sent Thiago clear to complete his hat-trick with another nonchalant flick past Pickford. Thierno Barry's late header was mere consolation for a thoroughly beaten side.
League Tables Turned on Their Head
The victory is a huge boost for Brentford's previously poor away form, moving them up to seventh and completing a dramatic swing in fortunes with Everton. For David Moyes's team, this was arguably their worst display of the campaign. The performance of Igor Thiago, now with 14 league goals, was decisive; across Europe's top five leagues, only Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane have scored more this season.
The result leaves Everton with serious questions to answer, while Brentford and their in-form Brazilian striker can look up the table with renewed confidence after a statement win on the road.
