Brentford vs Bournemouth – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates

‘Toney, what are the odds?’ Bournemouth fans chanted, mocking the striker’s FA accusation of breaching betting rules. But when Ivan Toney stepped up to take an ultimate penalty kick, the result felt like an absolute certainty.

The Brentford talisman hammered down the penalty kick (of course he did, he hasn’t missed a penalty in over four years) to condemn Bournemouth to a sixth successive defeat and make the odds on Gary O’Neil’s side of avoiding the decline seem a possibility. almighty long shot.

Mathias Jensen scored a second goal for Brentford after some brilliant team play as Thomas Frank’s brilliant side went seven league games unbeaten, their best run without losing in the top flight since 1937-38.

Ivan Toney scored from the penalty spot on his return from injury for Brentford

“We’re all going on a European tour,” joked the home crowd, though why shouldn’t they believe they can’t pull off such a remarkable feat at the end of this bizarre season?

Brentford are eighth in the table, above Liverpool and Chelsea, with games against Leeds out of form and Southampton in 20th place below.

As for Bournemouth, these are terminal problems. Since Gary O’Neil was confirmed as permanent boss, the results for him read: loss, loss, loss, loss, loss, loss. They have conceded a division-high 41 goals and haven’t scored in the league in four games.

It was at a Brentford B game in the depths of Kent last week that 553 punters flocked to the glamorous ground of Erith and Belvedere with the sole aim of seeing one individual: Romeo Beckham, son of David, who is on loan to the Bees. ‘ development side.

The cameras here also locked on one man before kickoff: Toney. The Brentford striker was back after missing the first two games of 2023 through injury. He received the biggest ovation from the home fans and was also the target of several humorous chants from the visiting winger.

Mathias Jensen doubled Brentford’s lead with a serene second-half finish

He wasn’t laughing, then, when the big striker plowed his way into goal position after a long ball from Yoane Wissa, and was brought down by a clumsy challenge from Marcos Senesi.

This was referee Jarred Gillett’s first game at Bournemouth since the 2021 Championship play-off semi-final loss to Brentford, which saw him award the Bees a penalty and show Cherries defender Chris a red card. Mepham.

After a few seconds of deliberation, the Australian official pointed to the spot and perhaps Senesi, the Argentine defender, was lucky to escape without further punishment. Just like that memorable tiebreaker day, Toney stepped up.

And we all know the script when he gets the ball on the spot from 12 yards out: two steps back, two to the left, a couple of deep breaths and confidently flanking the ball to both sides. Neto, recovered after a three-month break, hit the mark, but the power of the shot won him over.

Gary O’Neil, left, watched his team beaten for the fourth game in a row as Thomas Frank’s side soared

He extended his penalty hit rate to nine out of nine in the Premier League, a 100 per cent record second only to Yaya Toure, who scored 11 out of 11. For Brentford overall, he has scored 21 out of 21 and has not missed one for no club. since October 2018, for Peterborough against Barnsley.

Neither team seemed in the mood to score until then, but going behind seemed to bring life to Bournemouth, with Philip Billing forcing a clever save from David Raya late in the first half. The Cherries were without the injured Dominic Solanke and his lack of power was telling.

O’Neil bowled to Siriki Dembele who had some fine moments as Bournemouth tried to get back into the game. Brentford’s Ben Mee made a couple of challenging blocks and clearances in a stellar defensive performance.

But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Jensen completed a deft move with a neat finish into the top corner after a fine cross from Josh Dasilva.

Backup full-back Jack Stacey misjudged a long punt down the wing and headed into the path of the speedy Dasilva, who returned a good cross to Jensen. The Dane took a touch for control and then moved into the top corner to win the match.

Follow the Sportsmail live blog for the Premier League clash between Brentford and Bournemouth.