Igor Thiago Makes History as Brentford Sweep Sunderland Aside
Brentford striker Igor Thiago continued his remarkable form with a brace as the Bees cruised past Sunderland 3-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium, moving up to fifth in the Premier League.
Thiago’s double follows his hat-trick against Everton on Sunday, taking him to 16 league goals this season—the most by a Brazilian in a single Premier League campaign.
Match Summary
The first goal arrived after 30 minutes, with Thiago showing calm composure to round Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs and slot the ball into an empty net.
He doubled Brentford’s lead in the 65th minute, heading home from six yards after Kevin Schade had nodded a deep cross back into the middle. Yehor Yarmoliuk sealed the victory eight minutes later with a well-struck finish from six yards following a corner.
Sunderland had a major chance to pull one back when Brian Brobbey was brought down in the box. However, midfielder Enzo le Fee attempted a delicate Panenka, which Bees goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher comfortably saved—a key moment that allowed Brentford to seize control of the game.
Brentford Analysis: Igor Thiago’s Historic Season
Thiago’s performance showcased his pace, power, and intelligent link-up play, tormenting Sunderland’s defence throughout the match.
- A perfect through ball from Vitaly Janelt allowed Thiago to finish with composure.
- Kevin Schade hit the bar from Thiago’s pass before heading back to the Brazilian striker for the second goal.
This performance moved Thiago past Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli, and Matheus Cunha, making him Brazil’s most prolific Premier League scorer in a single season.
With Brentford now unbeaten in six matches and four wins in their last five, they are firmly in the battle for European qualification, with Thiago at the heart of their surge.
Sunderland Analysis: Missed Penalty Proves Costly
Sunderland had performed admirably over the festive period but were left frustrated by missed opportunities.
- Brian Brobbey won a penalty, but Enzo le Fee’s Panenka was easily saved by Kelleher, who now boasts a 67% Premier League penalty save rate—the best among keepers with five or more penalties faced.
- Sunderland struggled early, with sloppy passes from the back leading to Brentford’s opening goal.
The Black Cats’ depleted squad, missing players due to injury and Africa Cup of Nations commitments, were unable to maintain pressure after the missed penalty, conceding two quick goals to seal the defeat.
What’s Next?
- Brentford: FA Cup third-round tie at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, 10 January (15:00 GMT), followed by a Premier League visit to Chelsea on Saturday, 17 January (15:00 GMT).
- Sunderland: FA Cup trip to Everton on Saturday (12:15 GMT), then host Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday, 17 January (15:00 GMT).
Player of the Match
Brentford:
- Igor Thiago – 8.96
- Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.42
- Yehor Yarmoliuk – 8.29
- Vitaly Janelt – 7.98
Sunderland:
- Brian Brobbey – 7.05
- Kristoffer Ajer – 7.22
- Enzo le Fee – 7.31
Summary:
Igor Thiago’s brilliance was the highlight of Brentford’s dominant display as they thrashed Sunderland 3-0. His record-breaking season has propelled Brentford into fifth place and a battle for Champions League qualification, while Sunderland’s missed penalty proved costly in a tough away defeat.
Leave a Reply