Bryan Mbeumo scored right at the death to earn Brentford a dramatic 4-3 win over ten-man Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Cameroon international sent in a curling cross that fooled everyone including goalkeeper Arijanet Muric and landed in the net for his second goal of a breathless encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“I know this type of cross can be dangerous, either a flick or no one touches it, and the keeper has doubt. In the end it was a goal and it was a really important win today,” Mbeumo told Premier League Productions.
“They gave it their all in defence [with ten men], so it was really hard to find the gaps. It is not always easy but I think we showed big character today.”
Ipswich went two goals ahead thanks to Sammie Szmodics and George Hirst, but Brentford managed to be level by halftime following a goal from Yoane Wissa and an own goal by Harry Clarke.
Things got worse for the visitors in the second half as Mbeumo put the Bees in front from the penalty spot in the 51st minute and Clarke was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite this, Liam Delap came off the bench to equalise five minutes from time. Ipswich thought they had secured a well-earned point, but Mbeumo struck in the 96th minute to break their hearts. Delap thought he had equalised again moments later, but his effort came out off the post.
“They defended really well and they were really good on the counter attack as well,” the 25-year-old said of the Tractor Boys. “We knew we had to stay in the game no matter what and that is what we did.
“We always try to stay together, stick to the plan, and we know we have the quality to get back and that is what we tried to show.
Asked if complacency let Ipswich back in the game, Mbeumo responded: “Maybe [there was] a lack of focus, but we need to enjoy this kind of win.”
Brentford now boast the joint-best home record in the division with Manchester City, having accumulated 13 points from five games.
“It is really important to stay unbeaten at home and make it tough for the opponents to come here. We are going to try to continue to do it”
