Frank says Eriksen 'only 10 per cent' off top form as Bees take giant stride towards safety

Brentford (0) 2 Toney 85, 90 pen

Burnley (0) 0

Thomas Frank believes Christian Eriksen is already reaching great heights - barely three games into his comeback from the terrifying heart-attack he suffered last summer.

The Dane is such a polished act that he has slotted in seamlessly to his new surroundings and it was his cross which gave Ivan Toney the chance to finally crack a well-organised Burnley side.

Toney's header five minutes from time raised the roof at the Brentford Community Stadium and the star man tucked home yet another penalty at the death to seal the deal.

The striker won the spot-kick himself, after being hauled down by Nathan Collins - who received a red card for his troubles. Once the dead-eyed penalty king gets himself a spot-kick, there is never any real doubt about the outcome.

It is a big, big win for the Bees, who now have a nine-point lead over Burnley, who occupy the nearest relegation spot. They must feel they are almost there. And with Eriksen starting to purr, the optimism abounds.

"Today we had the quality from Eriksen with a wonderful cross for the first goal," said Bees boss Frank.

"He is already at a good level and just needs another 10 per cent with more sharpness. For me it was not a gamble, maybe the best ever signing for Brentford. I knew what he could do for us."

As for Toney, what a time to come back. His hat-trick at Norwich last week saw off one relegation rival. This week a double has accounted for the Clarets.

"I think Ivan started the season well, then Covid hurt him," Frank said. "Now he's getting back up to speed. He's showing that level he showed at the beginning of the season and there is more to come from him."

Frank added: "It was a good performance but we can be better on the ball. Every win in the Premier League is so difficult and we've managed to do it in two very important games."

Bees: (4-5-1): Raya - Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock, Henry - Mbeumo (Onyeka 90), Norgaard (Jensen 81), Janelt, Eriksen, Canos (Wissa 75) - Toney. Subs not used: Ghoddos, Jorgensen, Baptiste, Bech Sorensen, Roerslev, Lossl

Clarets: (4-4-2) Pope - Roberts, Collins, Tarkowski, Taylor - Lennon, Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil - Weghorst (Rodriguez 67), Cornet. Subs not used: Lowton, Cork, Barnes, Hennessey, Stephens, Bardsley, Long, Thomas