Everton vs Brentford saw Igor Thiago awoken again as the Brazilian struck his first Premier League hat-trick to move the Bees closer to European football.
The game was finely poised ahead of kick-off with the two sides separated by one point in the table and the battle for European football intensifying.
Going into the game without a loss in their last four matches, the Bees were slight favourites, and after not scoring since the end of November, Brentford’s Brazilian forward returned to the goals in spectacular fashion.
Everton vs Brentford 2-4: Thiago Hat-Trick Keeps Brentford’s Hopes of European Football Alive
Inside the opening five minutes, Everton could have easily been 1-0 up as James Tarkowski rose highest to nod the ball goalwards, but Thiago, on his defensive duties, headed it off the line and away from danger.
The Brazilian was on the scoresheet not long after as Vitaly Janelt found Brentford’s number nine, who got a toe on the ball to divert it past Jordan Pickford.
In the dying embers of the first half, both sides had golden opportunities to get more goals in the contest as Thiago‘s shot was well-saved by Pickford and Thierno Barry had his effort saved outstandingly by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford tripled their advantage early in the second half as captain Nathan Collins nodded one home before Thiago pounced on Kevin Schade’s cute lay-off to make it 3-0.
It was an uphill battle for Everton from that point; however, they managed to pull one back just after the hour mark with Jack Grealish’s cross flicked into the back of the net by Beto.
The Toffees threw everything to get back into the game, but the inevitable Thiago hat-trick saw the Bees seal the deal.
Barry managed to score in added time, but unfortunately, it was too little too late as Brentford continued their hunt for European football.
Brentford Scoring For Fun As Thiago Hat-Trick Puts Brazilian Back On Track
After going six games without a goal and his side scoring seven goals in that time, the Brazilian’s three goals were well worth the wait.
His first Premier League hat-trick and another Brentford player who adds themselves to the list of players to score three goals in a game.
Thiago’s contributions and ratings may have been below average in the games where he hasn’t scored, but his height and aerial presence make him an asset in defensive phases.
As seen against Everton, the forward made sure that it wasn’t the hosts breaking the deadlock early as he cleared Tarkowski’s effort off the line.
Involved in 17 duels, the joint-second most on the pitch, the forward wasn’t really successful, only winning six of them, but still made a valuable contribution in the defensive side of things.
In attack, he was unstoppable and arguably should have had more, taking six shots in total with five hitting the target.
Pickford certainly had a busy afternoon and he will be looking at his backline as to why Thiago was afforded so much time and space for his goals.
The Brazilian hitting the net three times puts him up to 14 goals as we head into the second half of the Premier League season.
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Everton vs Brentford: Tough Run Of Games Ahead For Keith Andrews’ Side
Five games without a loss, Everton vs Brentford was a key game for Keith Andrews‘ side after their 0-0 draw to Tottenham Hotspur in the game prior.
It goes without saying that the Bees passed the test with flying colours as they continue their march towards the top six and European Football.
With that being said, the West London outfit have a tough run of games ahead of them with Sunderland, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Arsenal all to come.
Sitting seventh, one point behind Chelsea and Manchester United, who occupy fifth and sixth and four points away from Liverpool, who are fourth, Brentford find themselves building up a head of steam.
With a fit and firing attacking duo of Schade and Thiago banging in hat-tricks one after another, Andrews has an impressive forward line at his disposal.
The former Bees set-piece coach has turned Thiago into a fundamental figure for Brentford after the Brazilian was rarely used under former manager Thomas Frank last season.
Replacing the goals of departing Bryan Mbuemo and Yoanne Wissa was always going to be hard, but Andrews didn’t need to look too far for the solution as his number nine is only six goals from equalling Mbuemo’s tally from last season with 18 games still to go.
So can Brentford dream of European Football or will they falter away at the back end of the season? All signs are positive right now for the Bees and they are certainly giving it a good go after being early-season relegation contenders.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 04.01.2026
