Pontus Jansson hails Christian Eriksen after impressive showing in Norwich win

Pontus Jansson talked up the influence of superstar Christian Eriksen on the Brentford squad but declared him “one of us” after he took another step on his incredible comeback journey with a key role in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Norwich.

The Danish playmaker made his first competitive start in almost nine months and helped the Bees end their eight-match Premier League run without a victory in the process.

Eriksen’s fine first-half corner was flicked on to create the opener for Ivan Toney, who would complete his hat-trick with two spot-kicks after the break.

While Toney walked away with the match ball, it was another special day for Eriksen. The 30-year-old made his Brentford debut as a substitute against Newcastle last month but stepped it up a notch with a 90-minute performance in Norfolk that showcased his quality despite a cardiac arrest last summer.

“We are so happy that he can play football first of all,” captain Jansson said.

“Christian’s such a nice guy and character. He’s a superstar, if you can say that, but he is one of us. We are so happy to have him here.

“He is top class and to have him on the pitch gives us something.  He will grow from here.

“It was probably not his best performance in his life but it was just enough for us to have him on the pitch, that makes all of us grow, not only him but everyone.”

In a twist of fate, Eriksen was joined at Carrow Road by referee Anthony Taylor, who had been the main official on June 12 when he collapsed in Denmark’s Euro 2020 match with Finland.

There was no special treatment with the Brentford number 21 cautioned at the end of the first half for a cynical foul on Brandon Williams, which saw the Norwich defender initially furious before it clicked who he was laying on and