Brentford continued their impressive run of form with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Gtech Community Stadium, a match defined by a clinical double from striker Igor Thiago and a spectacularly failed panenka penalty from the visitors' Enzo Le Fée.
Thiago's Clinical Edge Proves Decisive
In a first half largely controlled by the home side, Igor Thiago broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark. The Brazilian striker latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Vitaly Janelt, who had won possession in midfield, and calmly rounded Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs before slotting home. Thiago had been denied twice earlier, first by a delayed pass and then by a smart Roefs save, but his persistence paid off.
Sunderland, missing several players due to the Africa Cup of Nations, struggled to create clear chances in the opening period. Their best effort fell to Brian Brobbey, who fired wide. Brentford's Keane Lewis-Potter struck the crossbar with a free-kick in the final action of the half, underscoring the home team's superiority.
A Costly Panenka and Swift Punishment
The match's pivotal moment arrived early in the second half. After Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris made two quick substitutions, his side won a penalty when Kristoffer Ajer fouled Brobbey in the box. Enzo Le Fée stepped up but produced a woefully underhit panenka attempt, which Brentford keeper Caoimhín Kelleher caught with ease without needing to move.
The home fans' jeers turned to jubilation just minutes later. After Kevin Schade had hit the bar from close range, the ball was recycled to Igor Thiago, who netted his second goal of the game to double Brentford's lead and effectively end the contest. Thiago nearly secured a second consecutive hat-trick but was denied by another Roefs save before being substituted as a precaution following an ankle knock.
Yarmolyuk Seals the Deal for Andrews's Bees
Brentford put the finishing touch on a comprehensive performance from a corner, where Yehor Yarmolyuk tapped in a simple third goal. The Ukrainian midfielder's continued development is a testament to the coaching of head coach Keith Andrews, whose appointment is looking increasingly astute.
The result extends Brentford's strong run and fuels dreams of European qualification, while Sunderland's winless streak stretches to five matches. For the travelling Mackems, who made a 600-mile round trip, Le Fée's botched spot-kick will be the game's enduring, frustrating memory.
