A touchdown to mark two milestones for Ivan Toney. Another to seal the win for Brentford, which takes Thomas Frank’s side to within three points of the top four.
When performances like these leave Toney in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts, for his part, it will become apparent soon enough.
It’s now eight goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season – only Erling Haaland sits above the Brentford forward in the goalscoring charts after that double defeated Brighton on an emotional and occasionally hectic Friday night.
Ivan Toney boosted his England credentials with a brace against Brighton on Friday
David Raya put in a superb display in goal for the home side and made some saves
The result sends Brentford into the top half after going three games without a win
Toney’s second goal required nerve, to send Robert Sanchez the wrong way after the striker himself was brought down by Joel Veltman in the box. It took a bit of cheek and confidence from the forward to mark his 100th Brentford appearance with a 50th league goal for the Bees.
The opportunity was created by the ingenuity of Bryan Mbeumo and the industry of Frank Onyeka. The finish was all Toney’s work: after a smart run at the front post, the forward flicked a backheel into the legs of Adam Webster and beat Sanchez.
The win, only Brentford’s second in eight games, moves them up to eighth. For Roberto De Zerbi, on the other hand, the wait for a victory in charge of Brighton continues. Their record now reads: one draw, two defeats.
Toney scored his first goal with a cheeky strike and doubled the lead from the penalty spot
Toney’s sublime finish just before the half-hour mark sent this place into a frenzy. Until then, most of the noise and color had come out of the travel holder pocket.
“Oh Enock Mwepu,” he went up from the start. It went on and on. For almost 15 minutes, everything explained. Although Frank Onyeka headed the first chance of the match. Although Brentford complained about the loss of early time.
They paused, briefly, as Leandro Trossard threatened at the other end, before picking up where they left off. It was one of several tributes to the 24-year-old midfielder, who was forced to retire this week due to an inherited heart condition.
Defender Ethan Pinnock was a vital cog for the Bees and made some big blocks
Earlier, Brighton players had warmed up in Mwepu’s shirts before both sets of fans applauded, lamenting the tragic end to such a promising career.
At the start, the outside was full of Zambian flags. Among those who have one? Brighton owner Tony Bloom. He had a decent glimpse of Brighton’s first two openings, both of which fell to Danny Welbeck.
The first was well blocked by Ethan Pinnock. The second, headed, was easily saved by David Raya. Those half chances came at the start of a sustained period of Brighton pressure. And early on, Raya had to be sharp to keep Brentford on course. Twice.
Brighton defender Joel Veltman scored the penalty for Brentford’s second goal
He overthrew a rocket from Moises Caicedo and then, when a loose ball fell to Joel Veltman on the six-yard line, Raya stood tall to make the save.
Brentford had created very little until, out of nowhere, Mbeumo almost single-handedly changed the course of this game. Shortly after the winger volleyed over Robert Sanchez’s crossbar, his genius allowed Toney to put Brentford ahead.
Mbeumo looked to be going nowhere down the right flank until some quick feet took him out of a tight spot and into space. He drove into the box, fed Onyeka, whose square ball found its way to Toney.
It was beautiful football. There wasn’t much of that in the final minutes of the half as this turned into a scrappy battle that produced a flurry of cards. Including one for Frank and De Zerbi. They squared off and both benches emptied for a shoving match, after Veltman tackled Frank as the coach looked to control the ball.
Both coaches were booked in the first half after an argument on the touchline
Brighton had started the second half well, Welbeck heading over from another promising position, before Veltman gave Toney the chance to breathe life into Brentford.
It was in an almost identical position from where the Dutchman almost scored in the first half. Again he swung his foot on the ball. This time, however, he only caught Toney, who rose from the turf to double his tally.
Brighton pressed for a comeback, but Solly March’s backhand header, well saved by Raya, was almost all they created.
DATA OF THE MATCH
BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Streak 7.5; Ajer 7, Pinnock 7, Mee 7, Henry 6.5 Henry (Ghoddos 87), Onyeka 7 (Baptiste 71, 6), Janelt 6.5, Jensen 6 (Dasilva 80, 6); Mbeumo 8 (Canos 80, 6.5), Toney 8, Wissa 6.5 (Roerslev 70, 6)
Subs not used: Cox, Zanka, Ghoddos, Lewis-Potter, Damsgaard
Goals: Toney 27, 64
Yellow: Jensen, Baptiste
Red: None
Manager: Thomas Frank 7
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): Sanchez 6; Veltman 4, Webster 6, Dunk 6.5, Estupinan 6.5 (Mitoma 45, 6.5); MacAllister 6, Caicedo 7; March 7, Gross 6 (Lallana 68, 6), Trossard 5 (Undav 69, 6); Welbeck 6.5
Unused subs: Steele, Lamptey, Sarmiento, Enciso, Gilmour, Turns
Objectives: None
Yellow: Caicedo
Red: None
Manager: Roberto De Zerbi 6
Referee: Michael Salisbury 7