Brentford moved up to seventh in the table with a comfortable 3-0 win against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Ben Mee, Bryan Mbuemo and Mathias Jensen helped the buzzing Bees continue their imperious form at the Gtech Community Stadium, leaving hapless Southampton marooned to the bottom of the Premier League table.
As expected, Brentford started the match on the front foot, with Yoane Wissa smashing the post from close range. Mbuemo played a lofted through ball over the defence, which Wissa latched onto before round Gavin Bazunu with his first touch. However, with the goal gaping albeit from a tight angle, the DR Congo could only find the post.
The Bees continued to push for the opener with Mbuemo losing his balance at an inopportune moment, before Ivan Toney's goal-bound effort was blocked by Mohammed Salisu after fine work from Wissa down the flank.
Southampton's best moment during the early exchanges came when Che Adams almost found James Ward-Prowse, who continued in the more offensive midfield role which his manager Nathan Jones has deployed Saints' captain from in recent weeks, but the England midfielder could not quite reach the ball to make contact for a potential tap-in at the far post.
On the whole, though, Adams was increasingly isolated in attack for the visitors, with the Scotland forward only touching the ball on five occasions within the first 30 minutes. Mbuemo continued to pose constant problems to his opponents, dragging a half-volleyed effort wide of the post.
Salisu blocked a Toney effort for the second time before Mee finally broke the deadlock for Thomas Frank's side, with the former Burnley defender bagging his second goal of the season by displaying incredible bravery to head home Mbuemo's cross after more tricky wing play from the Cameroon international.
Mbuemo doubled Brentford's lead just two minutes later after Wissa cut inside before laying it on a plate for his teammate, who confidently rolled the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box. It was a richly deserved second goal for both Mbuemo and Brentford, leaving their opponents with a mountain to climb after the break.
Jones made two changes at half time, providing debuts to Kamaldeen Sulemana and 6ft 7in striker Paul Onuachu - who both joined the club on transfer deadline day - and understandably playing in a more direct manner as a result.
Onuachu, who scored 16 goals in 19 league games before departing Genk this season, was a clear threat from crosses but the hosts stood firm before Jensen sealed his side's victory with a late header.
Defeat leaves Southampton two points adrift at the bottom of the table, with relegation looking an increasingly ominous threat for them, while Brentford moved up to the dizzy heights of seventh as they continue to sting their opponents at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brett Curtis
