Brentford's hopes of qualifying for European football for the first time suffered a significant blow as they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Wolves at the Gtech Community Stadium. Igor Thiago, celebrating his first Brazil call-up, scored his fourth goal in four games to put Brentford in control, but Wolves fought back to earn a point and came close to securing their first away win in 330 days.
Brentford dominated the first half, taking the lead through Michael Kayode's first goal in English football, a header from Keane Lewis-Potter's cross. Thiago then doubled the advantage with a composed finish after a long ball from Caoimhín Kelleher was controlled by Dango Ouattara. The home side could have added a third, but Thiago headed against the crossbar from a Kayode throw-in.
Wolves pulled one back just before half-time through Adam Armstrong, who scored his first goal for the club after being set up by Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. Brentford had claims for a backpass against Wolves goalkeeper José Sá, but the goal stood. Wolves manager Rob Edwards introduced Angel Gomes at half-time, which helped his team gain control in midfield.
Wolves continued to press after the break, with Armstrong hitting the post and Jackson Tchatchoua forcing a save. The equaliser came when substitute Tolu Arokodare headed home from João Gomes' cross just three minutes after coming on. Arokodare later headed against the crossbar from Hugo Bueno's delivery as Wolves pushed for a winner. Brentford had a late chance through Reiss Nelson, but his header went wide.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews admitted his side failed to maintain their first-half standards. 'We didn't do the basics as well as we did in the first half and, ultimately, it cost us,' he said. Edwards praised his team's resilience, saying, 'It's obviously a really difficult situation, though it's a hell of a lot better than giving up.' Wolves remain bottom of the Premier League but have shown signs of fight in recent weeks.
