Brentford’s impressive Premier League season continued as they overcame west London derby rivals Fulham at the Gtech Community Stadium to keep their hopes of European football very much alive.
Bees’ striker Ivan Toney was the talisman once more, making it 22 successes out of 22 from the penalty spot for Brentford as they closed to within three points of sixth-placed Newcastle United.
Toney is playing under a cloud as he faces a ban after accepting breaking Football Association betting rules, but he was outstanding here as Brentford secured a deserved three points.
Thomas Frank’s side made a lightning start and could have scored three times even before Ethan Pinnock’s shot deflected off Tim Ream to put Brentford ahead after only six minutes.
Fulham are having an outstanding season of their own, and they finally gained a foothold before drawing level six minutes before the break when Israel forward Manor Solomon continued his rich vein of form, heading in the rebound after Andreas Pereira’s free-kick struck the post.
Brentford regained the momentum, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Toney hitting the woodwork with free-kicks, and were awarded a 53rd-minute penalty when Issa Diop fouled Christian Norgaard.
Toney, as is his custom, beat Bernd Leno with ease.
Mathias Jensen sealed the win from close range five minutes from time following good work by Kevin Schade with Carlos Vinicius’ stoppage-time goal for Fulham nothing more than a consolation.
Brentford’s eyes on Europe
Brentford’s supporters finished this game singing about the prospect of a place in Europe next season and why not as this remarkable story goes on?
Manager Frank has done a superb job, leading a group of players inspired by Toney, who now has 16 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.
Toney’s immediate future is under that cloud after breaking betting rules and there is no doubt any absence would be a huge setback, but such is the spirit, character and ability built by Frank in this side that they could yet take it in their stride.
Brentford started with so much pace and intensity they threatened to blow Fulham away, and then showed their self-belief and resilience to regather their forces after Marco Silva’s side forced their way back into contention with an equaliser.
Those supporters who pack into the Gtech Community Stadium are living the dream and it shows no sign of ending yet.
Asked whether Brentford can make the European places, Frank told BBC Sport: “For me it is very important that we are allowed to dream. I always want to aim as high as possible but it is important to not get too carried away.
“We are in a good place and it is all about continuing.”