Everton 2 - 4 FT Brentford

Igor Thiago’s Masterclass Dismantles Everton at Hill Dickinson

Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 89/100. A ruthless Brentford side exposed defensive frailties to climb the table, leaving Everton reeling from a clinical hat-trick that dictated the afternoon.

The Thiago Blitz

From the first whistle, the Intensity of the visiting side caught Everton cold. While the hosts attempted to control the rhythm at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Brentford operated with a surgical precision that defied the possession stats. The deadlock was broken in the 11th minute when V. Janelt—the game’s quiet engine—threaded a ball through for I. Thiago to slot home. It was a sign of things to come, as the Balance of the match shifted heavily toward the Bees' counter-attacking threat.

The real damage occurred in a frantic two-minute window after the interval. In the 50th minute, N. Collins capitalized on another V. Janelt delivery to double the lead. Before the home support could process the deficit, I. Thiago struck again just sixty seconds later. This 0-3 cushion transformed the Stakes of the match, forcing the Toffees into a desperate offensive posture that left them vulnerable to the breakaway. Brentford’s xG of 2.40 reflected a side that didn't just create chances but created high-quality openings.

Grealish Sparks Late Resistance

The introduction of creative depth saw J. Grealish take charge of the recovery attempt. His influence was immediate, providing the cross for Beto to pull one back in the 66th minute. Despite the Upset Factor dwindling as time ran out, Everton’s 14 total shots showed they hadn't waved the white flag. However, the narrative belonged to one man. In the 88th minute, I. Thiago completed his hat-trick after a setup by N. Collins, effectively ending the contest.

A late consolation from T. Barry in stoppage time, again assisted by J. Grealish, served only to soften the scoreline to 2-4. For Everton, the defensive lapses will be a point of contention, while Brentford celebrate a rise to 7th in the standings, fueled by a perfect 10.0 performance from their star striker. The Bees showed that clinical finishing outweighs territorial dominance every time.

Mid-Table Chess at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 50/100. This clash is the definition of a mid-table stalemate, with both sides desperate to prove they belong in the top-half conversation rather than the generic pack.

The Setup

As we kick off 2026, the Stakes for this fixture are defined by proximity. Everton sit in 9th, just one point ahead of Brentford in 10th. The Toffees have found some Form recently, showing resilience at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but their lack of clinical finishing remains a concern. Meanwhile, the Bees arrive with a better Balance in their goal difference, though their away consistency has flickered throughout the winter period. Without any runaway Stars dominating the headlines this season, this match will be won in the tactical trenches.

Key Battle

The game will likely be decided by the aerial duels in the box. Jordan Pickford will need to command his area with authority against Brentford's notorious set-piece routines. On the other end, Bryan Mbeumo remains the primary threat for the visitors, looking to exploit the space between the Everton full-backs and centre-halves. It is a classic confrontation of Everton’s physical defensive block against the fluid, data-driven transitions that Thomas Frank has perfected.

Our Prediction

Expect a cagey affair where neither side is willing to overcommit. Everton will likely dominate the early possession, but the Bees are experts at absorbing pressure. A moment of individual brilliance or a set-piece header is the most probable route to goal. We anticipate a 1-1 draw, a result that keeps the league table virtually unchanged for both clubs.