Thiago Scores Late Double as Brentford Beat Struggling Burnley

At a glance

• Brentford’s Igor Thiago opens scoring with penalty nine minutes from time
• Zian Flemming replies for Burnley from another spot-kick minutes later
• But Thiago blasts home 11th goal of season and Dango Ouattara makes it three to wrap up points
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Brentford striker Igor Thiago took his tally for the season to 11 goals in 13 games with a late double as the Bees inflicted a fourth-straight defeat on struggling Burnley.

In a game that remained goalless until the 81st minute, the Brazilian striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Zian Flemming replied for Burnley with a penalty at the other end four minutes later.

But Brentford regained the lead a minute later as Thiago smashed home from close range after Jordan Henderson’s ball into the box created problems for the Burnley defence before Dango Ouattara sealed the victory in injury time.

The home side were on the front foot early on, with Thiago firing over from close range after a cutback from Mikkel Damsgaard shortly before the Danish midfielder also went close.

It was not until the final minutes of a goalless first half that Burnley had their first shot on target as Dutch forward Flemming forced Caoimhin Kelleher into an acrobatic save.

Thiago had a goal ruled out for offside and Michael Kayode headed narrowly wide inside the first 10 minutes of the second half and Keith Andrews’ Brentford were growing increasingly frustrated.

But then Axel Tuanzebe fouled Ouattara in the box, allowing Thiago, who missed from the spot at Brighton last weekend, to break the deadlock.

However, Burnley struck back when Kayode conceded another spot-kick only moments later with Flemming scoring his fourth goal in five matches only for Thiago to restore the home side’s advantage with his 86th-minute strike.

Ouattara then put the result beyond doubt as the Bees climbed to eight in the table with 19 points from 13 matches.

Burnley remain second-bottom with 10 points.

Brentford analysis: Thiago shines again

Thiago has been Brentford’s best player this season and he proved why again against Burnley.

The striker scored one spot-kick but then missed the chance to equalise from another penalty in a 2-1 loss at Brighton last weekend.

But he made no mistake from 12 yards this time when the home side finally forced a resolute Burnley defence into a mistake late on.

It took his goals tally for the season to double figures – with five penalties – and he scored his 11th of the campaign just five minutes later with a sharp finish after Burnley had grabbed an unlikely equaliser.

Only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (14) has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than Thiago, who has 11 in 13 appearances.

The 24-year-old will be hoping Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has noticed his impressive displays this season.

Yet to be capped by Brazil, Thiago’s scintillating form has seen him score nine goals in the past eight matches – including doubles in wins against Manchester United and Newcastle.

Burnley analysis: Pressure piling on Parker

Burnley’s return to the Premier League is quickly turning into a probable fight against relegation – yet again.

After their latest setback, they sit second from bottom with only three wins and a draw from 13 matches. They have now also conceded 27 goals – the joint most in the league alongside Wolves who have played a game less.

With their four-game losing streak coinciding with the likes of Nottingham Forest and West Ham above them regaining form in recent weeks, the Clarets’ position looks all the more precarious.

Despite another well-organised display under Scott Parker, they once again failed to offer too much in attack – registering just six shots of which only two were on target.

Hannibal Mejbri – starting for the first time since August, showed promise in the first half but tumbled inside the box after Mathias Jensen left a leg out only for referee Samuel Barrott to book the Burnley midfielder for simulation.

Flemming was bright up front again but the lack of more firepower remains an issue for Parker.

What’s next for these teams?

Brentford have a short trip to mirates Stadium to face Premier League leaders Arsenal in a London derby on Wednesday, 3 December (19:30 GMT).

Burnley host Crystal Palace at Turf Moor at the same time.

Average rating8.49

Source: BBC