Said Benrahma’s hat-trick helped Brentford get their promotion push back on track with a convincing 5-1 victory at Hull.
Thomas Frank’s men had questions to answer following the home defeat to Nottingham Forest in midweek.
Indeed, just eight minutes later the visitors appeared home and hosed following Reece Burke’s own goal.
That was until Brentford goalkeeper David Raya inexplicably allowed Ryan Tafazolli’s misguided pass from the halfway line to squirm through his legs.
Raya’s error proved immaterial, though, as Benrahma’s brace, between which Ollie Watkins also scored, brought into sharp focus the difference in class between the two sides.
If Hull fans arrived at the KCOM Stadium in pessimistic mood, Brentford’s early goal will not have helped to raise spirits.
Benrahma’s strike was precise, if not especially powerful, but it had enough incision to beat unsighted goalkeeper George Long.
Long was also helpless to prevent Brentford’s second goal eight minutes later.
Watkins’ downwards header was harmless, but Burke misjudged the flight of the ball which skimmed off the top his head and into the back of the net.
Just when Brentford might have put the game beyond Hull before half-time, Raya incredulously gave Grant McCann’s team a lifeline in the 29th minute.
Tafazolli later came to his side’s rescue in a much more orthodox way when he blocked Benrahma’s attempt on the goal-line, with Long saving the resulting follow-up from Josh Dasilva.
Watkins made it 3-1 after 58 minutes when he planted a strong downward header from inside the six-yard box following Rico Henry’s outstanding, half-volleyed cross.
Hull were not so fortunate with five minutes remaining when Benrahma swept home from close range after Valencia’s initial strike was saved by Long.
