LONDON (AP) – Igor Thiago celebrated his first call-up to the Brazil national team on Monday by scoring Brentford’s second goal in a thrilling 2-2 Premier League game against Wolves.
As half-time approached, the striker fired into an empty net for his 19th league goal of the season.
Minutes earlier, Michael Cayode’s sharp header gave Brentford a 1-0 lead. It was his first goal in 41 league games for the Bees.
Adam Armstrong scored for Wolves a minute before half-time, capping off a thrilling first half.
Wolves, who are bottom of the league, leveled the score with 13 minutes remaining when Tolu Alokodare headed in at the back post.
As a result, the Wolves’ undefeated record in league matches extended to three games, but they remained at the bottom of the league with 12 points.
Armstrong said: “We know where we are in the league. It wasn’t a good enough result, but we’ve been very positive since I joined. Results are changing. I’m happy to have scored my first goal, but what’s important is to get the three points. We didn’t quite achieve that today, but we’ll keep a positive outlook.”
Brentford remain in seventh place, two points above Everton but three points behind Chelsea.
“We’re disappointed to miss the game,” Bees captain Jordan Henderson said.
Hours before kick-off, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti named Thiago in his squad for friendly matches against France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando four days later.
The former Cruzeiro, Ludogorets and Brugge striker was one of nine forwards included in a 26-man list that also featured Lyon’s Endrick, Bournemouth’s Ryan and Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, but not Neymar, who has failed to perform for Santos recently.
He has been fantastic for Brentford this season and could have scored another goal or two against Wolves. His 19 goals are the highest ever for a Brentford player in a single Premier League season.
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