Brentford 3-1 Southampton: Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa score as Ivan Toney watches

England striker Toney’s Brentford departure was confirmed on the eve of this game, with Brentford collecting a fee in the region of £40m.

His natural replacement, Igor Thiago, has been ruled out for several months with a knee injury, so the scoring pressure has fallen on Mbeumo and Wissa.

They stepped up on Saturday to show what they can offer as Brentford look to a future without the prolific Toney.

Once Harwood-Bellis lost possession to present the chance of an opening goal, the duo surged forward with predatory intent.

Mbeumo, alert as ever, was perfectly placed to collect the ball on the rebound before carefully guiding it into the net.

For his second goal, Mbeumo demonstrated composure and finishing ability with a neatly guided effort past Ramsdale.

Wissa added gloss to the scoreline as Brentford brushed off the side that earned promotion through the play-offs.