Igor Thiago made Premier League history as Brentford beat Sunderland 3-0 to strengthen their European credentials.
Coming off the back of a hat-trick against Everton last time out, Thiago was amongst the goals again as he handed his side a seventh home league victory in 11 games, punishing Enzo Le Fee's awful attempt at a panenka penalty.
In doing so, Thiago overtook Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha as the highest scoring Brazilian during a single season in Premier League history, bringing his tally to 16 for the campaign.
Having started the brighter, Thiago was finally able to break the deadlock for the hosts as he latched on to a Vitaly Janelt pass and rounded Robin Roefs to slot into an empty net and break the deadlock.
Sunderland came out for the second half hot as they seeked an equaliser, and were handed a golden chance as Brian Brobbey was hauled down by Kristoffer Ajer. However, Enzo Le Fee produced one of the worst panenka attempts as Caoimhin Kelleher stood his ground and saved with ease.
The midfielder would be made to pay moments later. Seconds after Kevin Schade cannoned an effort from close range against the woodwork, he turned provider as Thiago headed home to double the advantage.
Yehor Yarmoliuk would add a third with a thumping finish from close range, his first in 90 appearances, to leave Brentford in dreamland and guarantee Keith Andrews' men all three points.
"I wasn't expecting to score so much, but I just want to keep going," was Thiago's final assessment come the full-time whistle which left Brentford riding high in fifth. Sunderland meanwhile, slip down to 10th.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews speaking post-match:
"He's precious to us. It's the first time he played so many games in a short period of time. So when he took that knock it was always in my mind to look after him and take the edge off, but when he's on two goals he's obviously looking at back-to-back hat-tricks, I know the way he's wired.
"He's been sensational. The way he's attacked the league, the way he's developing his game. I think you can see that in the types of goals that he's scoring now compared to earlier in the season.
"He's obviously really good in the air. The calmness in front of goal and the confidence that he has. And it's not just the goals. It's his overall performance and the selfless way he plays the game.
"He's not a centre-forward that just stays between two centre-backs and looks to poach goals. He's all action. He leads the line. He runs the channels. He presses back. He's amazing from set-pieces. He's a complete centre-forward.
"I hold him in the highest of accounts. I wouldn't be swapping him for anybody.
"I've said this before. I think anybody that would have thought he would have been this good would probably be not entirely honest because I don't know how many have come from the Bulgarian league, the Belgian league, get injured pretty much straight away and then affected the Premier League like this.
"I think he's ahead of schedule really. He's exceeded expectations but I have to say his mentality is as good as I've ever come across. He's constantly developing his game."
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris speaking post-match:
"When we win, we react as a team. When we lose, we want to react as a team as well. It's not about just individuals, it's about the whole squad.
"When you don't take risks, you don't make any mistakes.
"It's always the case. Let's learn from this lesson and move forward."
On if he thinks Sunderland will be active in January:
"Not at the minute. We'll have to wait a bit."
Fans wondered who would fill the void left by Ivan Toney. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa stepped up.
When those two left, it was left to Igor Thiago to step up. Having had his early Brentford career derailed with a serious injury, all the eggs were placed into his basket. And what a decision that was.
Five goals in his last two games including a double against Sunderland, has seen the Brazilian write himself into Premier League folklore. His 16 Premier League goals this season is more than any other player from the country has managed previously.
Bearing in mind that it is still the beginning of January, that is some feat for a player who must be thinking about earning a place at the table for the World Cup come the summer.
More importantly for Brentford fans, his goals may leave them sat at the table of European contenders next season, something they wouldn’t have even dreamed of when the inexperienced Keith Andrews replaced the beloved Thomas Frank. He certainly has stepped into the spotlight without a hitch.
All these changes for the Bees in the summer seemed to spell doom. But, football is a funny game, and it has ended up being another boom instead.
Callum Bishop
