The post-match scenes of mutual acclaim are a now familiar experience at Brentford. The re-emergence of Ivan Toney – with the help of Christian Eriksen – to sink Burnley with a late double could be enough to retain Brentford’s Premier League status.
Thomas Frank, the Bees’ head coach, welcoming a nine-point cushion above 18th-placed Burnley, acknowledged the home supporters warmly. It was not a lap of honour exactly, but if the Bees stay in the top flight, that in itself will represent success in this buoyant corner of west London.
Burnley departed the capital empty-handed despite a confident, organised display. However, Toney stretched the Clarets to deliver in the dying moments, with the luxury of Eriksen’s assistance.
Thoughts of still-anxious Bees fans that last weekend’s enterprising success at Norwich, following a torrid run of form, was a one-off can be shelved. Brentford have never been quite as bad as some setbacks suggested – but this is an interlude to finally enjoy. Toney headed home from an inviting Eriksen cross with four minutes to go, before converting a late penalty after he was sent tumbling by Nathan Collins. The Burnley defender was subsequently sent off by referee Paul Tierney.
Having looked effervescent in a 3-0 win at Brighton a few weeks ago, the Lancashire outfit could not repeat the same feat, with Jay Rodriguez, on as a substitute, crashing a fine shot against the bar in the second half. These points may have the same emotional resonance for Brentford as, for instance, their triumph over Arsenal on the opening night of the season, which led to an initial surge. Creating a decent gap above beleaguered Leeds and Everton pleased Frank, ever the genuine optimist.
“It was a very tight, competitive game,” he said. “I think we had more dangerous situations than Burnley. The team is happy.
“It was a good performance but we can be better on the ball. Every win in the Premier League is so difficult and we’ve managed to do it in two very important games.
“I think Ivan started the season well, then Covid hurt him and now he’s getting back up to speed. He’s showing that level he showed at the beginning of the season and there is more to come from him.
“Today we had the quality from Eriksen with a wonderful cross for the first goal. He is already at a good level and just needs another 10% with more sharpness. For me it was not a gamble, maybe the best signing ever for Brentford. I knew what he could do for us.”
While clearly a setback, Sean Dyche will at least be consoled with plenty still to play for. “It’s not a big blow, we’ve still 11 games left,” the Clarets’ manager said.
“There wasn’t a lot wrong with the performance. Ten games ago we were written off and we’re still in there, fighting.
“I thought it was a soft penalty and soft red. But we have a wise group here.”
Unfortunately for Burnley, their next league fixture is at home to Manchester City on 2 April. All considered, it was a day of breaks, which ultimately favoured Brentford.
