Igor Thiago scored twice at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday to become Brentford's all-time leading Premier League scorer in a single season, reaching 21 goals. And it still wasn't enough. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's rebound finish in the 91st minute made it 2-2 for Everton, turning what should have been a winning afternoon into something considerably more frustrating. Both clubs remain in an odd position in the table — too good for a relegation fight, not quite close enough to the European spots to make it a straightforward push.
Thiago opens from the spot
The game was barely two minutes old when Kevin Schade burst into the area and was brought down by Jordan Pickford. Penalty. Thiago rolled it into the bottom-left corner in the 3rd minute — calm, clinical, like he always is from twelve yards. Brentford hadn't needed long to take the lead, but the manner in which Everton responded suggested this wasn't going to be a straightforward afternoon.
Beto levels, Thiago restores the advantage
Everton were level by the 26th minute. Idrissa Gueye's delivery from the right found Beto rising at the back post, and the Portuguese striker headed convincingly into the far corner. It was a good goal, and it underlined how difficult Everton have been to beat since January. They've answered setbacks quickly this season. Brentford got the lead back on 76 minutes through the strangest of goals: Michael Kayode's run caused confusion in the penalty area, his poked effort deflected off Thiago's midriff and wrong-footed Pickford. Thiago probably wasn't sure it was going in. Twenty-one goals for the season, whatever the circumstances.
Dewsbury-Hall steals a point
Brentford's lead lasted barely fifteen minutes. Everton forced a situation in the 91st minute and Dewsbury-Hall arrived late to convert the rebound — exactly the kind of goal he's good at, reading where the ball will end up and getting there before anyone else. Wild celebrations in the away end, the Gtech silent. Thomas Frank will know his side had chances to win this more comfortably. A draw is frustrating rather than damaging — Brentford are seventh, four points outside the European places with seven games left. There's still time, but the margin for error keeps shrinking.
Result: Brentford 2-2 Everton | Goals: Thiago (3' pen, 76', BRE); Beto (26', EVE); Dewsbury-Hall (90'+1, EVE) | Venue: Gtech Community Stadium | Competition: Premier League, Matchday 32
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