Brazilian striker Igor Thiago ended a six-match barren run in spectacular fashion, netting a first Premier League hat-trick to propel Brentford to a significant 4-2 away victory over Everton on Sunday, 4th January 2026.
Thiago Ends Drought in Style
The forward, who had not scored in the league since late November, took his personal tally for the season to an impressive 14 goals. Only Manchester City's prolific Erling Haaland has found the net more often in the top flight this campaign. Thiago's clinical finishing was the cornerstone of a result that lifts Brentford to within four points of the Champions League places, continuing head coach Keith Andrews' impressive start to management.
Everton's Defensive Resolve Crumbles
The Toffees, who had kept four clean sheets in their previous six outings, were architects of their own downfall at Goodison Park. A weak pass from James Tarkowski led to the opening goal, with Vitaly Janelt seizing possession and crossing for Thiago to volley home. Jack Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, was a rare bright spark for the home side, providing two assists, but the burden of creativity fell heavily on him with key players absent.
Brentford's second came from another error, as Grealish lost the ball on the touchline, allowing Janelt to cross for Kevin Schade to score. The Bees then scored twice in two minutes early in the second half to kill the game. First, Nathan Collins headed in from a corner—ending a run of 96 league corners without a goal—before Thiago added his second. The Brazilian completed his hat-trick later in the half, despite consolation goals from Beto (66th minute) and Thierno Barry in added time for Everton.
Contrasting Fortunes in Recruitment
The match highlighted the stark difference in the clubs' recent recruitment success. While Everton's signings, including Barry and Beto, have struggled for consistent impact, Thiago—who cost only marginally more—has now scored nine more league goals than the pair combined. The result leaves Everton manager David Moyes under scrutiny, with questions over the value derived from a squad that includes a £40m teenage talent in Tyler Dibling and experienced players like Tarkowski, whose performance was notably unreliable.
The comprehensive defeat for Everton, a nine-time league champion, against the strategically savvy Bees underscores a remarkable shift in Premier League dynamics. Brentford's organised, effective approach and smart transfer business continue to yield results, while Everton's ongoing off-field financial issues and relegation battles have damaged their appeal, as evidenced by Schade choosing Brentford over the Merseyside club two summers ago.
