Bryan Mbeumo netted a stoppage-time goal that secured a 4-3 victory for Brentford over the winless Ipswich in a thrilling seven-goal encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium.
In a dramatic conclusion, Ipswich seemed on course to earn a point thanks to a late equalizer from Liam Delap, even after being reduced to ten men.
However, Mbeumo found the back of the net in the 96th minute to clinch the win.
Kieran McKenna’s team were hoping for their first Premier League win in over twenty years when Sammie Szmodics and George Hirst helped them to a two-goal lead within the first half hour.
Chiedozie Ogbene was carried off on a stretcher after 35 minutes, and Kieran McKenna later mentioned in his press briefing that it appeared to be a suspected Achilles injury.
Determined to keep their unbeaten record at home, Thomas Frank’s team found momentum when Yoane Wissa ignited a rapid double, scoring in the 44th minute.
Just two minutes later, a confident Wissa contributed again as Brentford scored their second; he redirected an effort that slipped under Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, with Harry Clarke inadvertently turning the ball into his own net while trying to block it.
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Yoane Wissa celebrates after reducing the deficit for Brentford
Clarke’s situation deteriorated after halftime when he was again in the limelight, bringing down Keane Lewis-Potter in the penalty area, resulting in a spot-kick that Mbeumo successfully converted, completing Brentford’s comeback in the 51st minute.
Once more, Lewis-Potter troubled the full-back, enticing Clarke into another late tackle, this time just outside the box, which led to a second yellow card and, subsequently, a red card for the defender.
The visitors believed they had salvaged a point when Delap connected with a Leif Davis cross to equalize four minutes from time. However, Mbeumo emerged as the home team’s hero, as his inswinging cross bewildered Muric and found its way into the net.
Further late drama ensued when Delap struck the post in the 98th minute, resulting in Ipswich suffering their third consecutive league defeat.
This outcome elevates Brentford to ninth place in the Premier League, while Ipswich remains in 17th position, potentially slipping into the relegation zone if Crystal Palace secures a win against Tottenham on Sunday.
Frank: We’re in the entertainment business!
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Brentford manager Thomas Frank expressed he felt largely ‘irritated’ during their 4-3 victory against Ipswich.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank: “It was truly remarkable, wasn’t it? I’ve been informed that we’re in the entertainment industry, so I thought we needed to provide a little excitement for the audience. It’s much easier to be the winning side than to be Kieran. I do empathize with him, as we know he’s putting in as much effort, if not more, than I am.
“For a first year in the Premier League, I believe his team performed admirably. He had them well-organized during the opening 40 minutes. They were actually superior to us and rightfully led 2-0.
“Conversely, while it’s always good to acknowledge a decent performance, I thought we were poor. Honestly, I think those were 40 of our worst minutes in the Premier League. However, our mentality was impressive, our character shone through, and we made a fantastic comeback in many respects.
McKenna: Deep disappointment and devastation over the loss
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Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna asserts that his players gained numerous positives from their 4-3 defeat against Brentford.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna: “It was an amazing game, and I feel a mix of great pride in the individual and team performances. The quality and resilience demonstrated during a challenging week led to many positive aspects in our performance.
“We scored three goals away from home and could have added a few more. However, there is extreme disappointment and devastation over the late goal that means we walk away with no points.
“We always aim to find the positives, and I believe we showcased many signs today that indicate we are on the right path. Frankly, we’re regaining our momentum. We demonstrated our true identity as a team, both mentally and tactically.
“Even though we didn’t earn any points, I consider this a significant step forward. If we can consistently reproduce these elements, we’ll be competitive in most matches and will have opportunities to secure points.”
Lewis-Potter ‘sparks’ Brentford comeback
Although Wissa and Mbeumo will steal the headlines with their performances that contributed to Brentford’s thrilling 4-3 win over Ipswich, it was Keane Lewis-Potter who played a crucial role in orchestrating the comeback.
