Thiago shows why Blues can’t build on potential

Brentford striker proves value of having clinical goalscorer in ranks

- By JOE THOMAS

Brentford's Igor Thiago scores their first goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium yesterday

WHEN Igor Thiago picked up the ball 10 yards inside his own half there was no-one between him and Jordan Pickford.

He had all the time he wanted as he carried it to the edge of the Everton box and at no point did it ever look as though he would miss.

His clever, chipped dink over an onrushing Pickford pointed to a clarity of thinking, a confidence and a ruthlessness that have long been absent from the Blues' strikeforce.

‘The goal, which sealed his hat-trick, ensured Everton would endure a miserable start to 2026.

‘Thiago now has 14 goals for the campaign and is a major reason that a Brentford side that underwent seismic change over the summer has now leapfrogged the Blues in the Premier League table.

It was not just his finishing, ‘Thiago tormented Everton's defence, in particular James Tarkowski, winning duels on the ground and in the air.

Effort is not something that Everton’s forwards lack - Thierno Barry and Beto both work hard when they have the opportunity to lead the Blues’ frontline.

Both also scored in this 4-2 defeat, one of few crumbs of comfort from a wretched afternoon.