Ivan Toney on fire as 10 man Brentford defeat Wolves

A sell-out crowd watched an entertaining game at Molineux; the travelling Brentford fans were vocal, and it is they who left the West Midlands in good spirits.

The Bees played with 10 men after Referee Darren England sent Shandon Baptiste off on 64 minutes for a second bookable offence. It’s Brentford’s first away win in the top flight since 1947, thanks to two first-half goals in the space of six minutes.

The Bees got off to a good start when Ivan Toney scored a 28th-minute penalty – after Fernando Marçal – wrestled him to the ground during a corner for Brentford. The Wolves player must learn from his mistake because he won’t get away with those types of challenges.

Wolves were lucky not to concede another goal straight after the restart – VAR spared Wolves the agony – chalking off Toney’s back heeler for handball offence.

Brentford kept pressing for a second and their patience paid off, Thomas Frank’s team doubled their lead soon after their first when Toney found Bryan Mbeumo at the back post.

Ivan Toney has now been directly involved in 46 goals in 53 games (including play-offs) since the start of last season:

◉ 35 goals
◉ 11 assists

Scoring and assisting in a Premier League game for the very first time today. ⚽️🅰️ pic.twitter.com/ZxibPzxiXe

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 18, 2021

Ivan Toney is the man-of-the-match

In the game preview, I wrote about the need for Toney and Mbeumo to find their shooting boots, and the pair of Brentford strikers didn’t let their manager down on the day.

Mbeumo could have scored another late in the game, unluckily for him, his superb effort rattled the Wolves’ crossbar. Toney was lively throughout the game, he deserves his Man of the Match award.

There aren’t many players playing with more confidence in the Brentford side than Toney. His link-up play was excellent, optimised by a one-two played off his chest. Toney showed his quality, especially in the first half.  Firstly, with a short-run up for the penalty, and then with his assist for Mbeumo’s goal.

Ivan Toney’s penalty record for Brentford (excluding shootouts):

◎ 12 penalties taken
◉ 12 penalties scored

He doesn’t miss. 💯 pic.twitter.com/LlUWu2G9bV

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 18, 2021

Wolves need to find the points

Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Bruno Lage’s side didn’t register a shot on target. Wolves travel to Southampton next weekend, in a winnable fixture.

Defeat at St Mary’s Stadium will put added pressure on Lage. Wolves have failed to score in four of their five Premier League games. It could be a rough season ahead for them.

Brentford’s good start to the season continues. Frank’s side doesn’t need reminding how important away victories are. Brentford’s attention switches to next week’s acid test at home to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool.