Recap

Dramatic Late Drama: Ouattara’s Stunner Hands Brentford 3-2 Victory Over Newcastle United

In a thrilling Premier League encounter at St James’ Park, Brentford secured a hard-fought 3-2 win against Newcastle United, thanks to a late strike from Dango Ouattara on his 100th Premier League appearance. The match, played on February 7, 2026, in front of 52,032 spectators, featured five goals, two penalties, and relentless end-to-end action. Brentford’s victory took them level on points with Liverpool, while Newcastle’s losing streak extended to three games.

Early Exchanges and Brentford’s Penalty Claim

The match started under wintry conditions, with Brentford confidently holding possession. Jordan Henderson orchestrated Brentford’s play from midfield as the visitors pressed early. Newcastle faced an early scare when Brentford appealed for a penalty after Kieran Trippier appeared to pull back Keane Lewis-Potter, but the referee ruled the contact minimal.

Newcastle responded with attacking intent. Sandro Tonali curled a free kick over the bar and Harvey Barnes came close with a flick that narrowly missed. These moments set a competitive tone filled with near-misses and controversy.

Newcastle Strike First: Botman’s Header Breaks the Deadlock

Newcastle opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Bruno Guimarães delivered a precise corner and Sven Botman outjumped defenders to head past Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, giving the home side a 1-0 lead. Botman’s powerful close-range header energized the crowd and highlighted Newcastle’s set-piece strength.

Brentford Fight Back: Janelt Levels with Ouattara Assist

Brentford equalized in the 37th minute. Dango Ouattara whipped in a dangerous cross from the left flank, which Vitaly Janelt met with a powerful header past Nick Pope, levelling the game at 1-1. Ouattara’s pace and precise delivery troubled Newcastle’s defense throughout the match.

Stoppage-Time Penalty: Thiago Sends Bees into Lead

In first-half stoppage time (45+2), Mathias Jensen’s shot struck Jacob Murphy’s arm inside the box, leading to a penalty. Igor Thiago confidently converted, putting Brentford ahead 2-1 going into halftime. Thiago’s penalty was his fifth goal of the season and marked a crucial moment that frustrated Newcastle.

Second Half Intensity: Newcastle’s Response and Guimarães Penalty

The second half saw numerous substitutions on both sides as both teams sought fresh energy. Newcastle intensified their attacks, with Malick Thiaw testing Kelleher and Botman forcing defensive clearances. Despite sustained pressure, Brentford’s defense remained resilient.

In the 79th minute, after VAR reviewed a challenge by Brentford’s Maxence Kayode on Guimarães, a penalty was awarded to Newcastle. Guimarães calmly converted to level the score 2-2, giving Newcastle a renewed push toward a comeback.

Ouattara’s Heroics: Late Winner Seals Brentford Triumph

Just six minutes later, Brentford struck the decisive blow. Ouattara received a through ball from Jensen, surged forward, and unleashed a left-footed strike into the bottom corner, sealing a 3-2 lead. This goal marked a memorable milestone in Ouattara’s 100th Premier League appearance.

Despite frantic late efforts by Newcastle, including a missed chance by Ouattara himself during a counterattack, Brentford held on for the victory—their first on Tyneside since 1934—eliciting boos from the home crowd.

Player Performances: Stars of the Show

• Dango Ouattara was the standout performer with a goal, assist, and constant threat on the wings.
• Vitaly Janelt scored an important equalizer with a commanding header.
• Igor Thiago converted the opening penalty, crucial in giving Brentford momentum.
• Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães impressed with a penalty goal and key assists despite the defeat.
• Sven Botman opened the scoring but Newcastle’s defense ultimately faltered.

Managerial Perspectives and Tactical Insights

Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe now faces increased pressure following three consecutive losses and four home defeats this season. The trip to Tottenham next week is a critical test as Newcastle fights to maintain a top-six position.

Brentford boss Keith Andrews praised his team’s counter-attacking style and resilience, highlighting Ouattara and Thiago as key to their European qualification ambitions after securing a second away win in a week.

Broader Implications: League Standings Shake-Up

Brentford’s win boosts their position in the top half of the Premier League, now level on points with Liverpool and with European aspirations rising. Newcastle slip to twelfth place with the result, prompting questions about their consistency especially at home where they have struggled after taking the lead.

With an attendance exceeding 50,000, the match was a spectacle of Premier League energy and unpredictability, leaving fans with plenty to ponder before the next round of fixtures.