MVP of the weekend: Wissa-Mbeumo connection back firing on all cylinders
Wissa-Mbeumo connection back firing on all cylinders. Against Luton, Brentford's two African forwards each made a decisive contribution twice.
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Brentford are not having a great season. Ninth in the Premier League last year, the Bees are currently fighting relegation. They have just taken a big step towards that goal. Away at Luton Town, 18th in the table, the London club (15th) cruised to a 5-1 win. It was an easy ride thanks to the Cameroonian-Congolese connection embodied by Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. The former, as the trigger, set up the latter, who with a fierce strike beat the Luton goalkeeper by finding the top corner to open the scoring (24th minute). "Wow. That's a top finish," the DR Congo international exclaimed when he watched the video of his 9th Premier League goal of the season after the match. Wissa then scored his 10th just before the break (45th minute) to send Brentford into the dressing room with a two-goal lead (2-0).
Mbeumo, 8 goals, 5 assists despite 3 months out
Bryan Mbeumo was also key on this second goal. The Cameroonian started the move down his right flank. Because his cross took a deflection off an opponent, he will not be credited with the assist. No matter. The former Troyes player would provide a 2nd assist, for young Englishman Lewis-Potter, for the 4-0. Brentford won 5-1. The result gives the Bees plenty of breathing space. With four games left in the league season, they are 10 points clear of the relegation zone. Wissa (10 goals, 1 assist in the Premier League) could savour the moment: "I love working hard for the team; that's why I'm happy now to score and work hard. I'm very grateful." Mbeumo, a constant threat up front, was named 'Man of the Match'. Despite three months out with an ankle injury, the Indomitable Lion has 8 goals and 5 assists to his name. Not bad.