Igor Thiago earned glowing praise from Brentford head coach Keith Andrews after scoring his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4-2 victory at Everton, a performance that has placed the Brazilian among the most prolific forwards in Europe this season.
Thiago’s treble at Goodison Park means only Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane have scored more goals across Europe’s top five leagues this campaign. The 24-year-old is now just two goals away from becoming the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single Premier League season, underlining his rapid rise after a difficult, injury-hit start to life in England.
“Not bad, is it?” Andrews said. “I thought the finishes today were outstanding — really clinical, calm and confident. It’s a little bit mad he hasn’t scored in a few weeks, but even then he’s been the basis of us winning games.
“The names you’ve just mentioned — Haaland, Mbappe, Kane — he’s in pretty esteemed company, but he’s earned it.”
Brentford’s win lifted them to within four points of the top four and capped a dominant attacking display, sparked by an Everton defensive error. James Tarkowski’s mistake allowed Thiago to open the scoring with a cushioned volley, setting the tone for a ruthless Bees performance.
Republic of Ireland defender Nathan Collins then got in front of Tarkowski to head in Brentford’s second, their first goal from a corner in 96 attempts this season. Thiago added his second soon after in a two-on-one situation before completing his hat-trick later in the match, ensuring that Thierno Barry’s stoppage-time goal was little more than a consolation for the hosts.
Andrews also highlighted Thiago’s perseverance and character, pointing to the striker’s long-term impact beyond his goals.
“He’s been on a journey,” Andrews said. “He was injured for a lot of last season and settled into the club behind the scenes, not in the spotlight. But he’s such a popular player and person amongst our group. He works so hard and he’s selfless in the way he plays.
“Thankfully today, the goals come off the back of that unselfishness because he leaves everything out there.”
Everton manager David Moyes was left frustrated after watching his side concede four goals, having kept four clean sheets in their previous six matches.
“We gave away a terrible goal and spent the rest of the half chasing it,” Moyes said. “It was unlike us. The goals never gave us a chance of winning and it was poor defensively.
“We’re trying to be more open at home and make things happen, but I thought they punished us in those moments.”
For Thiago and Brentford, however, the afternoon belonged firmly to a striker now making a compelling case to be mentioned among Europe’s elite.
