Brentford manager Keith Andrews faced a difficult decision after substituting a frustrated Igor Thiago during his side's commanding 3-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
Record-Breaking Brace Seals Victory
The Brazilian striker was the star of the show at the Gtech Community Stadium, scoring twice to fire the Bees to a crucial win. His goals, his 15th and 16th of a spectacular campaign, saw him break the record for the most Premier League goals scored by a Brazilian in a single season. He surpassed the previous best tallies set by the likes of Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli, and Matheus Cunha.
Thiago opened the scoring in the first half, calmly rounding Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs. His historic second came after a period of Sunderland pressure, tapping in from close range after Kevin Schade's header across goal.
Substitution Dilemma for Andrews
With Thiago hunting a second consecutive hat-trick after his treble at Everton just days earlier, Andrews opted to take him off as a precaution after he took a knock. The manager admitted the call was not popular with his prolific forward.
"He's precious to us," said Andrews. "So, when he took a knock, it was always in my mind to look after him... But when he's on two goals, I know what way he's wired, so that was always a difficult dilemma."
Andrews heaped praise on the £30 million signing from Club Bruges, who missed his entire first season in 2024 through injury. "I think anybody that thought he would have been this good is probably not being honest," Andrews stated. "He's been sensational. I wouldn't be swapping him for anybody."
Le Fee's Panenka Blunder Proves Costly
The match's pivotal moment came in the 57th minute when Sunderland were awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Brian Brobbey. With a chance to equalise, Enzo Le Fee attempted an audacious Panenka chip, but the effort floated straight into the grateful arms of Brentford keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Kelleher, a noted penalty specialist, did not have to move. The miss completely shifted the momentum, and Brentford capitalised immediately, with Thiago scoring his second soon after. Substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk later lashed in a third to complete the scoring.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris lamented the missed opportunity: "We had the opportunity to get back in the game but when you miss this kind of opportunity it's like a switch in the game. The energy of the crowd got bigger and we lost ours." The result keeps Brentford's unlikely push for European football firmly on track.
