Brentford’s impressive Premier League season continued as they beat west London derby rivals Fulham at the Gtech Community Stadium to keep their European football hopes alive.
Bays striker Ivan Toney was once again the talisman, making 22 of 22 for Brentford as they closed to within three points of sixth-placed Newcastle United.
Tony has been playing under a cloud as he faces a ban after breaking the Football Association’s betting rules, but he was outstanding here as Brentford secured the three points.
Thomas Frank’s side started brightly and could have scored three times before Ethan Pink’s shot deflected off the rim to put Brentford ahead after just six minutes.
Fulham have been enjoying a brilliant season of their own, and they finally found their footing before drawing level six minutes before the break when Israeli forward Manor Solomon continued his fine form, hitting Andreas Pereira’s free-kick on the post. After going into the rebound.
Brentford regained momentum, Brian Mbiomo and Toney both hitting the woodwork with free-kicks, and were awarded a 53rd-minute penalty when Issa Diop fouled Christian Norgaard.
Tony, as is his custom, easily defeated Bernd Leno.
Mathias Jensen sealed the win for Fulham with Carlos Vinicius’ stoppage-time goal coming from around five minutes from time after good work from Kevin Shead.
Brentford’s eyes on Europe
Brentford supporters finished the game singing about the possibility of a place in Europe next season and why not as this remarkable story goes?
Manager Frank has done a fantastic job leading a group of players inspired by Tony, who have now scored 16 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions this season.
Tony’s immediate future is under a cloud after breaking the batting rules and his absence will no doubt be a huge blow, but the passion, character and ability that Frank has built into the side makes it so. You can take it in your steps.
Brentford started with such pace and intensity that they threatened to blow Fulham away, and then looked to regroup after Marco Silva forced a comeback to equalise. Demonstrated self-confidence and resilience.
Supporters who flock to the Gtech Community Stadium are living the dream and it shows no sign of ending yet.
Asked if Brentford could make the European places, Frank told JEE News: “For me it’s very important that we are allowed to dream. I always want to aim as high as possible but it’s It is important not to worry too much.
“We’re in a good place and it’s all about continuing.”
Disappointing night for Fulham
Fulham still have their European aspirations as they have been a revelation under Marco Silva since their return to the Premier League, but were well beaten by their London rivals.
Vinicius’ late bundled goal gave the scoreline a happy look for Fulham as it came with practically the last kick of the game.
Silva’s big players Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian were unable to exert any influence, outclassed by Brentford’s defence, and both endured a disappointing evening.
There was hope when the brilliant Solomon reacted first to Pereira’s shot hitting the woodwork but Brentford soon reasserted their authority.
Fulham are an impressive seventh despite the setback and must now regroup as they face Premier League leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage on Sunday before an FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United.
Speaking to JEE News after the game, Silva said: “Of course a disappointing result, we wanted to fight for the three points.
“We knew it was a derby, we knew the type of game they were going to play and they are strong in that type of game – lots of challenges, lots of pairings, strong running at the back and we got off to a good start. What did
“It was very sloppy. We didn’t start aggressively enough, not bravely enough and not with the quality we should have done. I’m going to analyze it with the players and show them why. It happens. We already knew how we had to be. Started and we didn’t start that way.”
