Ivan Toney’s double ensured a crucial victory for Brentford as they beat Brighton 2-0 in the Premier league. The centre-forward scored in either half, allowing Thomas Frank’s side to earn a much-needed three points.
The scoreline perhaps does not provide an accurate picture of the game, as Brighton, under newly appointed manager Roberto de Zerbi, have seemed to pick up right where Graham Potter left off, at least in terms of the style of play.
The hosts were by far the more creative team at the Brentford Community Stadium, but were let down by a lack of end product. They had a number of chances to score but poor finishing from Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross, and Solly March proved to be Brentford’s gain as they walked away with a vital win after three games without a positive result.
Brentford’s defence was threatened a few times just in the first half an hour, with Moises Caicedo and Welbeck coming very close to scoring.
Caicedo’s long-range effort was saved by a diving David Raya, who was simply fantastic on the day, making seven vital saves. The Spanish custodian faced 1.95 xG but still walked away with a clean sheet. Welbeck’s effort was more of a letdown as the striker put his header over the bar.
Brentford, when in possession, were also looking dangerous. Cameroonian winger Bryan Mbeumo was magnificent, wriggling through tight spaces and almost scoring a wondrous goal, only to be denied by the crossbar. It was Brentford’s talisman Toney who nudged his side in front with a cheeky backheel finish.
The Englishman would score yet again in the second half, with a characteristically composed penalty after a lunging challenge from Joel Veltman brought him down in the box. It was Toney’s eighth goal in the league as his excellent run in the Premier League continued from the previous season.
He is joint second in the league for goals, tied with stalwart Spurs striker Harry Kane, and only behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who has 15 goals in just nine games.
