Ian Westbrook, Beesotted podcast, external

Neal Maupay’s goal for Brentford in Saturday’s 3-2 win over West Ham United carried far more significance than just putting the Bees ahead.

The on-loan Everton striker’s 11th-minute header ended a 45-game Premier League scoring drought and was his first goal since September 2022 – when he also scored against the Hammers!

His delight at finally finding the net was clearly shared by the Bees fans who have adored him since his first spell with us in the Championship from 2017 to 2019, when he hit 41 goals in 95 appearances.

The 27-year-old had a miserable time at Goodison Park and is clearly a confidence player who wants to be loved.

Thomas Frank gave him a huge hug as the players did their lap of appreciation after the West Ham game and that showed just how much the goal meant to both of them.

Since returning to the club, Maupay has spoken about how much he loves being back with us, and that has shown in his play.

In his first start against Burnley he had a goal ruled out by VAR, but had an assist and a pre-assist in our 3-0 triumph.

And then the following week at Chelsea, he provided the assist for our late second goal.

The victory was our fifth over West Ham in five Premier League meetings.

It was also our third successive win and takes the pressure off the next two fixtures – away to Liverpool and at home against Arsenal either side of the international break.

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