Brentford 3-1 Newcastle United
by Layth Yousif
at Brentford Community Stadium 

BRENTFORD’S Brazil striker — and former bricklayer — Igor Thiago’s two late goals sealed an impressive Bees comeback to beat Newcastle 3-1 today.

Thiago’s brace came during a dramatic late finale that also saw Magpies’ defender Dan Burn sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Bees’ lively Dango Ouattara, while injured keeper Nick Pope was replaced by reserve Aaron Ramsdale moments before Thiago’s successful penalty with 12 minutes remaining — prior to his second, and the Bees’ third, goal in the 95th minute.

With Keith Andrews’ remorselessly powerful Brentford side already beating Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa at home this term, it was instructive to note Newcastle’s back four were tested in the air by assistant boss Jason Tindall during their pre-match warm-up — presumably in a failed bid to thwart the forthcoming projectiles launched by throw-ins from the impressive Michael Kayode.

Yet it was Howe’s visitors who went ahead on 27 minutes after Harvey Barnes showed composure, as well as quick feet to find space in the Bees box, before firing low under Caoimhin Kelleher.

However, the Bees were not to be denied following the interval, as Kevin Schade headed home from close range to equalise. The goal arrived after a long throw from Kayode into the box that Sven Botman inadvertently headed onto Bees No 7.

Shortly afterwards, Brentford should have been awarded a penalty, not a yellow for Ouattara by referee Stuart Attwell, presumably for simulation. A poor decision by the official, and VAR — for one look at the recalcitrant Burn’s face after making contact with the tricky Ouattara should have been enough to know a foul had been committed.

No matter, for the fates decreed it would be Burn’s foul on Ouattara shortly afterwards — and subsequent sending-off — that decided the game.

That and the intelligent Thiago’s two late goals, as the calmest player amid all the late chaos crushed Newcastle.