Igor Thiago was the star at the Gtech Community Stadium once again as Brentford romped to a 3-1 victory against a resurgent Burnley.
It took almost 80 minutes for this game to spring to life, with all four goals scored during a blitz at the death.
Here, Daily Mail Sport takes a look at the biggest talking points from a hard-fought clash in west London.
Brentford’s turnaround
When Keith Andrews’ first game ended in a dire 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest back in August, many tipped Brentford to go down. After all, they’d just said goodbye to Thomas Frank.
However some 13 weeks later and few, if any, think the Bees will play their football next season in the second tier.
In-form Brazilian Igor Thiago was the star once again as Brentford beat Burnley 3-1 in London
Only Man City and Arsenal have now lost less home games than Keith Andrews side
A poor first-half display yesterday drew groans from the home crowd at the interval, but the hosts came out the traps flying in the second.
Thiago scored the opener from the spot before Zian Flemming equalised for Burnley with a penalty of his own. Just moments later, on 86 minutes, it was Brentford’s frontman who bagged his second with a sweetly struck volley from close range.
Dango Ouattara, who was a thorn in the visitors’ side throughout, later sealed another win for the west Londoners with a precise finish in added time.
Only Man City and Arsenal have a better home record than the Bees, who will now be looking up the table rather than over their shoulders.
Andrews hasn’t changed much from the Frank era. Why would he? Brentford’s place in the Premier League hasn’t been under threat for a long time, and it won’t be anytime soon.
Thiago’s Brazilian dream
Andrews revealed this week that Brazil have been in contact about Igor Thiago, who’s been nothing short of stellar so far this season.
Two more goals for the 24-year-old today took his league tally up to 12 – more than any Brazilian on the continent. Even Real Madrid‘s Vinicius Jr.
Many assumed that the sale of Bryan Mbeumo in the summer could be a huge loss, but Thiago has filled those boots with ease.
With the World Cup on the horizon, it could be only a matter of time until Brentford’s No 9 dons the iconic yellow-and-blue of his home country.
Thiago scored his first with a penalty and second with a sweetly struck volley on his left
Dango Ouattara later made it 3-1 with a good finish on his left foot in added time
For Scott Parker’s Burnley it’s another loss, but easier fixtures are on the horizon
An important January beckons for Burnley
Brentford’s victory was far from a formality against a resurgent and well-organised Burnley.
This Clarets side is a damn sight better than the one which was relegated under Vincent Kompany with just 24 points. They’re willing to mix up their game, play long when needed and build an attack slowly when it suits.
However Burnley lack a cutting edge. Lyle Foster and Zian Flemming, who scored, were bright in parts at the Gtech but Scott Parker will know he needs more.
What business the newly-promoted club can do in January will likely decide their fate, though an easier run of fixtures awaits them before the festive period.
