ANALYSIS: IGOR THIAGO'S GOALS END BURNLEY FIGHT; BEES LOOK UP TABLE
Igor Thiago scored twice as Brentford beat Burnley 3-1 in a late goal blitz. The in-form striker now has 12 league goals, sparking talk of a Brazil World Cup call-up.
Igor Thiago shone at the Gtech Community Stadium again as Brentford cruised to a 3-1 win against Burnley, who are showing signs of improvement.
The game took almost 80 minutes to get going, with all four goals coming in a quick burst near the end.
Daily Mail Sport checks out the main talking points from a tough match in west London.
Brentford's Turnaround
After Keith Andrews' first game as manager ended in a rough 3-1 loss at Nottingham Forest back in August, many thought Brentford would be relegated. After all, they had just lost Thomas Frank.
But about 13 weeks later, few people think the Bees will be playing in the Championship next season.
Their style of play is very direct, and when it works, it's really hard to defend against.
Brazilian player Igor Thiago was the star once more as Brentford defeated Burnley 3-1 in London.
Only Manchester City and Arsenal have lost fewer home games than Keith Andrews' team.
A poor first half led to boos from the home crowd at halftime, but the Bees came out strong in the second half.
After Thiago's two goals, Dango Ouattara secured another win for Andrews' team with a well-taken shot with his left foot.
Only Manchester City and Arsenal have a better home record than the Bees, who are now looking up the table instead of worrying about being relegated.
Andrews hasn't changed much since Thomas Frank left. Why would he? Brentford's spot in the Premier League hasn't been in danger for a while, and it won't be anytime soon.
Thiago's Big Brazilian Dream
Andrews said this week that Brazil has contacted Igor Thiago, who has been great so far this season.
Two more goals today for the 24-year-old bring his league total to 12, which is more than any other Brazilian in Europe, even Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr.
Many thought that selling Bryan Mbeumo in the summer would be a big loss, but Thiago has easily filled that role.
Thiago scored his first goal from a penalty and his second with a nice volley with his left foot.
Dango Ouattara later made it 3-1 with a good shot with his left foot in extra time.
For Scott Parker's Burnley, it's another loss, but easier games are coming up.
After scoring the first goal from the penalty spot, the confident Brazilian scored his second with a volley that he looked certain to score.
With the World Cup coming up, it might not be long before Brentford's number 9 wears the famous yellow and blue of his home country.
An Important January for Burnley
Despite the score, Brentford's win was not easy against a Burnley side that is improving and well-organised.
This Burnley is much better than the one that was relegated under Vincent Kompany, with only 24 points. They are willing to change their game, play long balls when needed, and build up an attack when it suits them.
But Burnley needs more attacking power. Lyle Foster and Zian Flemming, who scored, were good at times at the Gtech, but Scott Parker knows he needs more.
What signings Burnley can make in January will likely decide their fate, but they have an easier set of games coming up during the holiday season.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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