Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka was missing in action as Brentford claimed a precious 3-2 win over Everton in Sunday’s Premier League game.
Onyeka has made 20 appearance in the colours of Brentford.
The 24-year-old Nigeria international was part of the Super Eagles squad that failed to reach the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar after they lost to Ghana on the away goals rule.
Everton took a 10th-minute lead when Anthony Gordon’s free-kick from the right wing found its way through the crowd with the help of touches from Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
But the mood turned at Goodison nine minutes later when Branthwaite was shown a straight red card for hauling down Ivan Toney as he tried to run through on goal – moments after Everton had appealed for a penalty for handball.
Christian Eriksen sent the resulting free-kick wide.
Brentford drew level in the 37th minute when Yoane Wissa’s cross was inadvertently turned into his own goal by Everton captain Seamus Coleman.
Everton were awarded a penalty as the match moved into first-half stoppage time as a combination of Sorensen and Kristoffer Ajer brought down Richarlison, who fired home from the spot himself.
Brentford applied consistent pressure after the break and equalised in the 62nd minute through Wissa.
There was no doubt this time about who scored the goal, with Wissa getting his head to Eriksen’s corner and flicking it inside the far post.
And two minutes later, the visitors took the lead, Christian Norgaard swinging in a cross that was met firmly by the head of Rico Henry.
Things went from bad to worse for Everton two minutes from time when they were reduced to nine men.
Substitute Salomon Rondon had only been on the pitch for a few minutes when he dived into a challenge, two-footed on Henry and was shown a straight red card.
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now