Brentford delivered a statement performance at the Gtech Community Stadium on January 7, 2026, sweeping aside Sunderland 3-0 in a match that showcased both their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The result not only extended Brentford’s unbeaten run to six games but also propelled them to 5th in the Premier League table, with 33 points from 21 matches—a tally that matches their best-ever start at this stage of the season.
The story of the night, though, belonged to Igor Thiago, whose two-goal haul took his season total to 16 Premier League goals. That mark now stands as the highest ever by a Brazilian in a single Premier League campaign, moving him past luminaries like Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli, and Matheus Cunha. His performance drew widespread praise, with Brentford manager Keith Andrews beaming, “He is a really special person who has fitted into life very nicely. He has got serious grit about his personality. He is developing his skill set constantly and we are learning more and more about him. He is a pretty complete centre-forward.”
Thiago’s first goal came at the half-hour mark. After a slow start, he latched onto a through ball from Vitaly Janelt, rounded Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs with composure, and slotted home. The goal put Brentford in control, but Sunderland, despite their depleted squad and recent fixture congestion, showed flashes of resilience—none more so than early in the second half.
Just after the break, Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey, who was later named their man of the match, muscled his way into the box and was brought down by Kristoffer Ajer. A penalty was awarded, and up stepped Enzo Le Fee. In a moment that will haunt Sunderland fans, Le Fee opted for a panenka—a cheeky chipped penalty—but Brentford’s Caoimhin Kelleher didn’t flinch, standing tall and catching the ball with ease. It was a pivotal moment. As BBC Sport noted, “Such cheeky efforts look great when they go in. Not so much when they don't.”
The miss proved costly. Brentford, buoyed by the let-off, doubled their advantage in the 65th minute. Kevin Schade, who had earlier missed a golden chance, redeemed himself by heading a deep cross back into the danger area, where Thiago was waiting to nod home from six yards. The goal not only underlined his predatory instincts but also his importance to Brentford’s European ambitions.
Eight minutes later, Yehor Yarmoliuk put the result beyond doubt. After a scramble in the box following a corner, the Ukrainian midfielder pounced, rifling in his first-ever goal for Brentford in his 90th appearance. The Gtech erupted, and Brentford’s supporters could sense something special brewing this season.
For Sunderland, the defeat was a harsh reality check after a period of overachievement. They have now gone five games without a win (0W-4D-1L) and remain 9th in the table with 30 points. Injuries and the loss of key players to the Africa Cup of Nations have stretched their squad thin, and the fatigue was evident. Omar Alderete and Trai Hume struggled at the back, each earning just 4/10 in Andy Tomlinson’s player ratings, while Le Fee’s penalty miss saw him rated a harsh 0/10. Yet there were positives: Brobbey, isolated for much of the night, still caused problems for Brentford’s defense and won the penalty. He was rated 7/10 and named Sunderland’s best performer.
Brentford’s defense deserves credit, too. Kelleher’s penalty save was his fourth in the Premier League, giving him a remarkable 67% save rate—the best in the league among goalkeepers who have faced at least five spot-kicks. The backline, marshaled by Kayode, Ajer, Collins, and Henry, kept Sunderland’s attacking threats in check, with only sporadic danger from Brobbey and substitute Eliezer Mayenda.
Manager Keith Andrews’ impact on Brentford cannot be overstated. In his first season at the helm, and his first as a head coach at any club, he has guided the Bees into the thick of the Champions League race. “We are in good form and playing really well. We are playing with courage and conviction in everything we do with and without the ball,” Andrews told BBC Match of the Day, emphasizing the team’s unity and ambition. He also credited Brentford’s recruitment team for finding players like Thiago, who have both the talent and the character to thrive in the Premier League.
The broader context makes Brentford’s rise even more impressive. After losing long-time manager Thomas Frank and several key players last summer, few would have predicted such a strong campaign. Yet, with 10 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, Brentford are matching their joint-best Premier League start and are firmly in the hunt for European football next season.
Sunderland, meanwhile, will be eager to regroup. Their performances this season have exceeded expectations, but the fixture against Brentford felt like one game too many. Andy Tomlinson wrote, “We didn’t get Brobbey involved enough but he was a real handful for the Brentford defence when we got him the ball, brought his team-mates into play well, held off the defence and won the penalty with good play in the box.” The hope for manager Regis Le Bris and Sunderland fans is that the return of players from AFCON and the end of a brutal winter schedule will help the Black Cats rediscover their early-season form.
Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds. Brentford travel to Sheffield Wednesday for the FA Cup third round on January 10 before facing Chelsea in a crucial league clash on January 17. Sunderland, meanwhile, visit Everton in the FA Cup on January 10 and then host Crystal Palace in the Premier League a week later. The coming weeks will test the depth and resolve of both squads.
On a night when history was made and ambitions reaffirmed, Brentford’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland sent a clear message: the Bees are buzzing, and with Igor Thiago in this kind of form, anything feels possible at the Gtech Community Stadium.
