Brentford vs West Ham: Can West Ham continue with their wins today?
The Hammers are currently experiencing a dip in form, having dropped to ninth place after a winless run spanning three matches. Despite a strong start to the season with victories in three of their first four fixtures, David Moyes' team has managed just a single win in their subsequent six games, with recent defeats coming at the hands of Aston Villa and Everton.
On the other hand, Brentford approach this match with a boost in confidence from their recent 2-0 win against Chelsea — a classic example of their effective counter-attacking strategy. They aim to employ a similar approach in today's game, hoping to overtake West Ham in the standings, as they trail by just a point and one position after 10 league matches.
Welcome to our live coverage of the Premier League encounter where Brentford is set to play host to West Ham United at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Let’s look at the match highlights today:
First-half begins:
- In the 1st minute, a heart-stopping moment there! Flekken nearly presented Antonio with a golden opportunity to score after slipping while receiving a back-pass from Pinnock. Fortunately for Flekken, he managed to recover just in time to clear the ball away from danger. Such instances can turn the tide of a game and he will be relieved to have averted potential disaster.
- In the 6th minute, Mbeumo took his chance at goal from a sharp angle on the free-kick, but Areola, in goal for West Ham, had a clear view of the shot. He made the save comfortably, keeping the scoreline intact. It's these moments that goalkeepers are always prepared for, and Areola demonstrated his readiness well.
- In the 11th minute, it’s a goal for Brentford! Maupay has broken the deadlock in a frenetic sequence! Initial crosses from Janelt and Mbeumo were initially repelled, but Brentford persisted. Janelt floated the ball back into the danger zone at the far post. The resulting header fell into the mix, setting up Onyeka for a half-volley towards goal, which Maupay deftly redirected into the net with a glance at close quarters. The team's tenacity paid off, as they crowded the area and Maupay found the perfect position to head in the opener, giving Brentford a 1-0 lead!
- In the 12th minute, Onyeka has earned a free-kick for Brentford as Emerson disrupts a promising counter-attack, halting their momentum. For this infringement, the West Ham left-back has received the game's first yellow card, penalized for impeding progress with a tactical foul.
- In the 19th minute, what a stunning response from West Ham! Antonio delivered a cross from the left end line aiming for Kudus at the back post. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Kudus, with his back to the goal and airborne, executed a sensational bicycle kick that rocketed into the bottom corner of the net. This acrobatic strike brings the score level at 1-1. We're not even a quarter into the match, and we've witnessed a pair of goals, but it's Kudus' phenomenal volley that stands out as the highlight so far. Spectacular football on display!
- In the 24th minute, Collins has been caught out by Antonio, who strips the ball from him. This allows Benrahma to seize possession and surge forward, but Ajer is quick to pursue. In his attempt to recover the situation, Ajer commits a foul on Benrahma and is subsequently shown a yellow card for his challenge. This card serves as a caution for Ajer, who will have to tread carefully for the remainder of the match to avoid further punishment.
- In the 26th minute, West Ham have successfully flipped the script! Benrahma dashes inward and whips in a cross at the near post, where Kudus meets the ball. Another ambitious volley from Kudus is unleashed, only to clatter against the post. However, Bowen is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the rebound, prodding the ball over the line to put West Ham ahead. After trailing by a goal at the 11-minute mark, they've mounted an impressive comeback, and within 15 minutes, they've edged ahead with a 2-1 lead. What a turnaround for West Ham!
- In the 28th minute, after a tense wait, the goal is confirmed! The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the play for a potential handball by Bowen when he controlled the rebound, but after scrutinizing the footage, the officials have determined there was no infringement. Bowen and West Ham can breathe a sigh of relief as the goal is upheld, cementing their 2-1 lead. The decision keeps the momentum firmly with West Ham after their impressive comeback.
- In the 33rd minute, Bowen's deft flick sends Benrahma racing into open territory, looking to exploit the counter-attack opportunity. However, Onyeka displays great defensive awareness by quickly closing in, cleanly dispossessing Benrahma, who is facing his old Brentford team, and then calmly passing the ball back to goalkeeper Flekken. This move effectively neutralizes the potential threat from West Ham's swift offensive break.
- In the 37th minute, Norgaard found himself in a promising position at the front post to connect with Jensen's corner kick. Unfortunately, he couldn't quite direct his header on target, sending the ball just wide of the goal in a fleeting scoring opportunity. It was a close call, but the attempt ultimately failed to trouble the scoreboard.
- In the 41st minute, in a moment of what seemed like certain success for West Ham, they've squandered a golden chance. Aguerd launched a lengthy pass which Kudus skilfully brought down with his chest, setting up Bowen to deliver a cross into the critical six-yard box. Bowen's cross slid perfectly across the face of the goal, finding Benrahma and Antonio at the back post. However, in a dramatic twist, a mix-up occurred with both players converging on the ball and, in the confusion, they failed to capitalize on the opportunity, sending the ball wide. What looked to be a guaranteed third goal for West Ham ended up being a fortunate escape for Brentford.
- In the 45+3 minute, Mbeumo earned Brentford a promising free-kick close to the goal after being brought down by Emerson. He cleverly played a one-two with Janelt off the set piece, then took his chance, sending a curving shot at the goal. The shot had the beating of Areola, the West Ham goalkeeper, but narrowly missed the mark, passing just wide of the far post by mere inches. It was a close call and a well-executed play from Brentford that just lacked the final touch.
- In the 45+7 minute, Mbeumo narrowly misses a prime opportunity to level the score for Brentford! Jensen's clever pass allowed Janelt to bypass West Ham's defensive line and provide a cutback pass into the penalty area. Mbeumo, positioned perfectly, received the ball but unfortunately sent his immediate shot off target, missing the post yet again. This was Mbeumo's most straightforward chance of the match, which he was unable to convert. Given the chances created by both teams, the game might have seen a much higher scoreline by now.
Second-half begins!!
- In the 49th minute, Bryan Mbeumo appears to be quite active in the game, consistently looking to threaten the West Ham defence. This time, he opts for an early shot after cutting inside from his favored right side, but Emerson is prepared for it and manages to block the attempt. The ball then falls to Brentford's captain, Christian Nørgaard, who tries his luck with a first-time shot. Unfortunately for Brentford, Nørgaard doesn't catch it cleanly and the ball sails over the bar without troubling the goalkeeper. It's another missed chance for Brentford as they continue to seek an equalizer.
- In the 52nd minute, Antonio has been involved in the action, it seems, with his cross being deflected. Mbeumo, seizing the opportunity, tries to launch a counter-attack by moving down the touchline. His effort to break away and potentially create a scoring chance for Brentford is halted by Tomas Soucek's late challenge, resulting in a yellow card for the West Ham midfielder. This indicates that the game might be getting more physical as players start to take more risks, either to maintain their team's advantage or to try and change the scoreline. Brentford might be looking to use their speed on the break to test West Ham's defence further, while West Ham will need to be cautious not to commit too many players forward and risk being exposed on the counter.
- In the 55th minute, Brentford has successfully secured an equalizing goal, bringing the score to 2-2. The opportunity arose from a corner that was strategically played short by Janelt to Mbeumo. Mbeumo then delivered a curving cross into the heart of the action. Collins made an attempt on the ball, but it was ultimately Mavropanos who deflected it, sending it past Areola and into the net. While luck played a part in this outcome for Brentford, it's the result that counts, and they have effectively drawn level in the match.
- In the 60th minute, Brentford creates an opportunity as Mbeumo sets up Onyeka to deliver a low cross into the six-yard box. However, the offside flag is raised, nullifying the chance for Brentford to regain the lead.
- In the 62nd minute, Mavropanos receives a yellow card after impeding Maupay by dragging him back while the forward was attempting to turn the defender around near the halfway line. The yellow card is a clear and justified consequence of his actions.
- In the 64th minute, West Ham makes their initial substitutions in the match, with Fornals coming onto the left side to replace Benrahma for the Hammers. West Ham makes another change as Antonio exits the field, and Ings takes his place, assuming the role of the forward to lead the attacking line for the team.
- In the 69th minute, Brentford regains the lead with an emphatic header from Collins! The Bees persistently apply pressure, and despite having two corner opportunities thwarted by determined Hammers defending, Jensen initiates a crucial play by launching a long throw into the penalty area. The initial clearance finds its way back to Jensen, who delivers an impeccably placed cross to Collins at the far post. Collins rises brilliantly and directs his header right into the top corner of the net. It's a fantastic sequence of play from Brentford, who have experienced the lead changing hands but have now surged ahead once more, taking a 3-2 lead!
- In the 72nd minute, Wissa and Mbeumo attempt to collaborate within the West Ham penalty area, but they struggle to create the necessary space for a shot. Their efforts result in the ball going out of play for a goal-kick, as they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
- In the 78th minute, West Ham initiates a quick one-two combination between Fornals and Kudus near the edge of the box. Kudus then delivers an aerial ball towards the far post. Also, Bowen tries to connect with the cross, but he is unable to make a meaningful contact with the header, and the ball goes out of play behind the goal.
- In the 79th minute, Roerslev enters the match as a late substitute, taking over the right-back position from Ajer, who had been booked earlier in the game. This change aims to provide fresh legs and maintain stability in the Brentford defense.
- In the 80th minute, it’s a close call for West Ham! Kudus drops deeper to collect a pass from Coufal and quickly lays the ball off to Fornals. Fornals unleashes a first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area, but it narrowly misses the target, rolling just inches wide of the post. A near-miss for West Ham as they look to level the score.
- In the 86th minute, a dangerous moment for West Ham! Emerson delivers a menacing cross into the middle, and it nearly falls to Kudus in a close-range position. However, Norgaard is quick to react and clears the ball away, averting the potential scoring opportunity for West Ham. The Brentford defense stands firm to maintain their lead.
- In the 89th minute, Wissa, who has been instrumental in most of Brentford's attacks in the game, is substituted out late in the match. Ghoddos takes his place and will contribute in the final third as Brentford aims to see out the game with their lead intact.
- In the 90+1 minute, as the game reaches its closing stages, Brentford's defense looks to strengthen its resolve. Ben Mee comes on as a substitute, replacing Janelt, to provide added defensive solidity and help secure their lead. Brentford is making defensive adjustments to protect their advantage.
- In the 90+4 minute, a promising opportunity for West Ham as Maupay and Mbeumo collaborate inside the box, looking to create a shooting chance from close range. However, Aguerd intervenes with a timely defensive play, sending the ball back to Areola, who clears the danger for Brentford. Brentford's defense remains resilient as they hold onto their lead.
- In the 90+5 minute, a long throw into Brentford's penalty area fails to yield any results, and Ings' protests for a West Ham corner lead to the striker receiving a late yellow card from the referee. Ings' frustration earns him a caution as the game enters its final moments.
And that’s it! Brentford also broke West Ham winning strikes today. They have won the match by showing some great fighting spirits. Cheers to the team and the celebration begins. Stay tuned for more.