IGOR TO PLEASE

Bees' hat-trick hero buzzing as they chase top-four spot

- BY CARL MARKHAM

IGOR THIAGO ended a six-match drought with a first Premier League hat-trick to fire Brentford to within four points of the top four.

The Brazilian took his tally to 14 with his first goals since the end of November and only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has scored more in the Premier League.

Head coach Keith Andrews continues to confound his critics as he equalled the biggest win of his short stint in charge - against Bournemouth last weekend - as they put four past an Everton side which had four clean sheets in their last six games.

Nathan Collins headed home the other as the Bees scored their first from a corner in the league at the 96th attempt, and Beto' 66th-minute response and Thierno Barry's goal in added time barely papered over the cracks.

Everton should be looking to emulate Brentford: canny recruitment off the pitch - Thiago cost marginally more than Barry or Beto but has scored nine more league goals than the pair combined - and organised yet effective on it.

The fact Kevin Schade opted for Brentford when there was interest from the Toffees two summers ago showed how low the club's reputation had dropped in the wake of off-field financial problems and several relegation battles.