Premier League Match Report — Brentford 3–0 Sunderland
Date: 7 January 2026
Competition: Premier League 2025/26 Season
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London
Brentford continued their impressive 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a convincing 3–0 home victory over Sunderland on 7 January 2026. The Bees dominated from start to finish, reinforcing their push for European qualification, while Sunderland struggled to create clear chances and ultimately paid the price for a key missed opportunity. Sky Sports+1
Final Score
Brentford 3–0 Sunderland Sky Sports
Goalscorers
- Igor Thiago (Brentford) — 30′ & 65′ Sky Sports
- Yehor Yarmoliuk (Brentford) — 73′ Sofascore
Match Summary
Brentford took the lead early in the first half when Brazilian forward Igor Thiago calmly finished after a well-worked attack, giving the hosts a vital early advantage. The Bees continued to control the tempo, creating chances and keeping Sunderland under sustained pressure. Sky Sports
Sunderland’s best opportunity to get back into the game came just after the hour mark when they were awarded a penalty. However, their midfielder **Enzo Le Fée’s Panenka attempt was saved comfortably by Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, deflating the visitors’ hopes. Sky Sports
Thiago doubled Brentford’s lead in the 65th minute with a composed finish — his second of the night and one that extends his remarkable scoring run this season. Yehor Yarmoliuk added a third late in the second half from close range, sealing a commanding win for the hosts. Premier League
Statistical Breakdown
- Possession: Roughly balanced, with Brentford edging slightly ahead in build-up play. ESPN.com
- Shots: Brentford generated more goal attempts and created better quality chances overall. Sky Sports
- Key Moment: PENALTY SAVED — Enzo Le Fée (Sunderland) attempted a Panenka that was easily stopped by Kelleher, a turning point in the match. Sky Sports
Player Ratings (Approximate — based on match reports and performance context)
Brentford
- ⭐ Igor Thiago — 9/10
A standout performer, Thiago’s two goals underline his stunning season. His movement, finishing, and clinical edge made the difference. Reuters - Caoimhín Kelleher — 8/10
Saved Sunderland’s penalty and commanded his area well. Sky Sports - Yehor Yarmoliuk — 7/10
Influential in midfield and rewarded with a goal. Sofascore - Team defense & midfield — 7/10
Solid overall performance, limiting Sunderland’s attacking threat. Sky Sports
Sunderland
- Robin Roefs — 6/10
Made some stops but ultimately beaten by quality finishing. Roker Report - Brian Brobbey — 7/10
Worked hard, won the penalty, and troubled defenders, but lacked support. Roker Report - Enzo Le Fée — 3/10
Crucial penalty miss hurt Sunderland’s momentum. Sky Sports - Rest of team — 4–6/10
Struggled to gain control in midfield and create sustained pressure. Roker Report
Season Context
This victory boosted Brentford to fifth place in the Premier League table, keeping them firmly in contention for a spot in European competition — an impressive position given preseason expectations. Reuters
Sunderland remain in mid-table, a respectable position but lacking consistency to push into the European qualification spots. Premier League
What It Means
- Brentford: The win maintains their momentum and push toward the top six, fueling ambitions of continental football next season. mykhel.com
- Sunderland: A missed chance to close the gap on higher-placed rivals and a reminder of the fine margins at this level. Roker Report