Bees boss buzzing as Eriksen shines and Toney bags hat-trick

THOMAS FRANK hailed the importance of the crucial 3-1 win for his Brentford side at Norwich and praised the contribution of key duo Ivan Toney and Christian Eriksen.

On his first start since he suffered a cardiac arrest on June 12 at Euro 2020, Eriksen flourished and saw his 32nd-minute corner find its way to Toney at the back post to break the deadlock in Norfolk.

Hat-trick hero Toney took centre stage after half-time with a cool penalty after Ben Gibson had caught Bees’ captain Pontus Jansson with a high boot. And he scored another spotkick in the

58th-minute before Teemu Pukki hit a late consolation.

Frank said: ‘It was a very important win. I said to the players before the game for me it was never a must-win game; I know it’s easy to say afterwards but I knew how important the game was.’

Eriksen’s influence was clear to see and he played the whole match on his full debut for the promoted side, who are now six points above the relegation zone.

Frank insisted: ‘Obviously, Ivan was excellent and it means something for Christian, he wants to do well for us and make sure we end as high as possible.

‘I think he was good but I think he will be even better than this.’

The defeat left Norwich rooted to the foot of the table and five points from safety.

Dean Smith’s side have also played more games than the three teams above them.

‘Big moments went against us,’ bemoaned the Canaries boss.

Elsewhere, Newcastle picked up their fifth win in six matches after a 2-1 victory over Brighton at St James’ Park.

Scotland international Ryan Fraser opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s men on 12 minutes and Fabian Schar doubled the lead two minutes later.

The Seagulls improved in the second period and Lewis Dunk pulled one back on 55 minutes but Newcastle held on.

First-half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Wilfried Zaha gave Crystal Palace a 2-0 win at Wolves. The victory at Molineux saw Patrick Vieira’s Eagles soar into the top half of the table.