Manager Thomas Frank hailed the importance of Brentford’s crucial 3-1 win 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.
The Dane saw his 32nd-minute corner-kick 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 kick after Ben Gibson had caught Bees’ captain Pontus Jansson with a high boot.
He scored another penalty kick in the 58th-minute before Teemu Pukki hit a late consolation.
Frank said: “Of course, (a) very important win. I said to the players before the game (that) ‘for me it was never a must-win game’. I know it is easy to say after, but I knew how important the game was.
“Everyone did, Norwich did, we did and two things that are very important with the win is less noise and the smiles on the faces when we come in on Monday morning will be big. So, that’s a massive thing.
“I am pleased with the players’ character, mentality and coolness in a difficult game.”
Toney’s two penalty kicks made it 18 in a row without missing and took his overall tally for the season to 11 goals in all competitions.
“I think he was not only for the three goals but in general he top performed today,” Frank added.
