A spectacular Igor Thiago hat-trick ended his personal goal drought and propelled Brentford to a significant 4-2 away victory against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, 4 January 2026. The result moves the Bees to within four points of the Premier League's coveted top four positions.
Thiago Ends Drought in Style
The Brazilian striker had not found the net in his previous six league matches, but he emphatically ended that run with his first Premier League treble. Thiago took his personal tally for the season to 14 goals, a figure bettered only by Manchester City's Erling Haaland. His clinical finishing was the cornerstone of a performance that equalled manager Keith Andrews's biggest win since taking charge, matching last weekend's triumph over Bournemouth.
Everton's Defensive Resolve Crumbles
The home side's recent defensive solidity, which had seen them keep four clean sheets in six games, evaporated under Brentford's pressure. The visitors struck first when a mistake by Everton defender James Tarkowski allowed Vitaly Janelt to steal possession and cross for Thiago to volley home. Kevin Schade added a second before half-time after more good work from Janelt.
After the break, Brentford quickly killed the game. Nathan Collins powered in a header from a corner – the Bees' first league goal from a corner this season at the 96th attempt – and Thiago added his second just two minutes later. Despite late consolation goals from Beto and Thierno Barry, Everton were well beaten.
Contrasting Fortunes for Merseyside and West London
The match highlighted the divergent paths of the two clubs. Brentford's shrewd recruitment was exemplified by Thiago, whose cost was marginally more than Everton's combined outlay on scorers Barry and Beto, yet he has vastly outperformed them. The victory underscored the growing reputation of Andrews's organised and effective side, a fact underlined when Schade chose Brentford over Everton interest two summers ago.
For Everton manager David Moyes, it was a deeply frustrating afternoon. Even with both of his underperforming strikers scoring, his threadbare squad was exposed. Jack Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, provided two assists but carried too much of the creative burden, while big-money signing Tyler Dibling is still raw and Tarkowski endured a difficult game. The heavy defeat leaves serious questions about the direction of the nine-time champions.
