Thiago double helps Brentford see off Sunderland | OneFootball

Igor Thiago scored twice as Brentford cruised to a 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Gtech Community Stadium, continuing their strong run of form.

The 24-year-old striker now has 16 Premier League goals this season, setting a new record for the most by a Brazilian in a single campaign.

The Bees broke the deadlock on 30 minutes after Vitaly Janelt won the ball in midfield and played Thiago through on goal. The striker calmly rounded Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs and slotted home. Brentford almost doubled their lead before half-time when Lewis Keane-Potter’s free kick clipped the crossbar.

Thiago made it 2-0 in the 65th minute, nodding in from close range after Kevin Schade’s cross was flicked on. Sunderland had a chance to respond when Brian Brobbey was fouled in the box, but Enzo Le Fée’s Panenka attempt was easily saved by Brentford keeper Caoimhín Kelleher.

The points were wrapped up eight minutes later when Yehor Yarmoliuk converted from close range following a corner.

Keith Andrews' side have now won four of their last five games and extended an unbeaten run to six matches, keeping their hopes of European qualification alive. Sunderland, by contrast, suffered their first loss in six games and have won only once in their last seven.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

21':

Missed opportunity! Igor Thiago from Brentford took a left-footed shot from the center of the box that nearly found the target but ultimately went wide. The chance was set up by Kevin Schade during a quick counterattack.

Brentford takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Sunderland. Igor Thiago found the back of the net with a left-footed shot from close range, placing the ball into the bottom left corner. The assist came from Vitaly Janelt, who delivered a perfectly timed through ball during a quick counterattack.

30':

GOAL Brentford: Igor Thiago (Brentford) scores!

Igor Thiago scores goal number 15 in the competition (21 matches)

44':

Missed opportunity! Mathias Jensen from Brentford attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed over the goal. The assist came from Michael Kayode.

54':

Opportunity wasted! Omar Alderete of Sunderland attempted a header from the center of the box, but it sailed over the crossbar. The assist came from Enzo Le Fée, who delivered a well-placed cross.

54':

Missed opportunity! Romaine Mundle from Sunderland took a left-footed shot from the middle of the box but failed to find the target. The assist came from Enzo Le Fée.

60':

Enzo Le Fée (Sunderland) fails a penalty-kick!

Brentford leads Sunderland 2-0. Igor Thiago scores with a header from the center of the box, directing it into the right corner. The assist comes from Kevin Schade, who also used his head to set it up.

65':

GOAL Brentford: Igor Thiago (Brentford) scores!

Igor Thiago scores goal number 16 in the competition (21 matches)

Brentford leads Sunderland 3-0. Yehor Yarmoliuk scores with a right-footed shot from close range into the center of the net. The assist comes from Nathan Collins following a corner kick.Brentford takes a commanding lead with a score of 3-0 against Sunderland. Yehor Yarmoliuk finds the back of the net with a right-footed shot from close range, right in the middle of the goal. The assist comes from Nathan Collins following a corner kick.

73':

GOAL Brentford: Yehor Yarmoliuk (Brentford) scores!

Yehor Yarmoliuk scores goal number 1 in the competition (21 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match