The Bees had their moments – Thiago notably seeing a snapshot saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma with the game goalless – but fell behind just after the hour mark when the in-form Jérémy Doku rifled in his latest fantastic finish.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews afterwards stated he was “struggling to comprehend” the decision not to award a penalty for Nunes’ second challenge on 71 minutes, which saw him clip Schade when in on goal with the Cityzens leading 1-0 and the game still in the balance.
The visitors were then left chasing the game when Erling Haaland scuffed home from close range with less than 15 minutes remaining; substitute Omar Marmoush’s clinical late third for the hosts gave the scoreline an even more lop-sided look.
Since signing for the Bees from Freiburg – initially on loan – in January 2023, Schade has established himself as a key figure in west London and is the common denominator across not one, but two potent attacking trios.
Last season, Schade struck 11 goals as he, Bryan Mbeumo (20) and Yoane Wissa (19) combined for an outstanding 50 between them – just over 75 per cent of Brentford’s record Premier League haul of 66.
This term, the Bees’ new-look attacking trident of Schade, Thiago and Dango Ouattara has offered a different type of threat, but a highly effective one all the same.
Thiago (22), Schade (seven) and Ouattara (five) have plundered 34 goals between them this season, with their blend of pace, physicality and aerial prowess marking them out as one of the most complete attacking units in the top flight.
One of only seven players to score multiple Premier League hat-tricks since 2023 – along with Haaland (five), Cole Palmer (four), and Phil Foden, Justin Kluivert, Chris Wood and Jean-Philippe Mateta (all two) – Schade’s explosive, match-winning potential has been underlined by trebles against Leicester last season and Bournemouth this term.
‘One of only seven players to score multiple Premier League hat-tricks since 2023… Schade’s explosive, match-winning potential has been underlined by trebles against Leicester and Bournemouth’
Over the past two seasons, Schade has also ranked among the sharpest shooters in the top flight, hitting the target with an impressive 46.1 per cent of his efforts.
As the City game suggested, perhaps the only thing he has lacked at times is a slice of luck. Only three players (Haaland, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Tavernier) have struck the woodwork more often than the German (three) this season, while his expected goals total of 11.31 suggests his return could have been even higher.
Crystal Palace are next up at home for the Bees, and Schade has a solid record against the Eagles, with two goals in five appearances, one of which was a fantastic header in a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park last season.