Pressure mounts on Moyes as Hammers slip again

Brentford v West Ham United – Premier League – Gtech Community Stadium – Report

Brentford 3-2 West Ham United

Pressure mounted on David Moyes after his West Ham United side slipped to their third successive Premier League defeat as their bogey team, Brentford came from behind to win a hugely entertaining encounter by the odd goal in five at the Gtech Community Stadium.

West Ham travelled across the capital off the back of an impressive 3-1 Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal during the week. However, the East Londoners were without a league win in four. 

Moyes was quick to recognise Brentford’s strengths: “Brentford have done remarkably well over the years,” he explained. 

“They continue to do so well and they’ve got some really talented footballers. Sometimes I think they go under the radar a little bit but I think for people who watch them, you can see how talented they really are. 

“I’ve got high praise for Thomas Frank and high praise for Brentford overall. They’ve come through the leagues, got to the Premier League, and haven’t looked out of place since they got here. 

“They’re a really professionally run outfit who do a lot of good things. Their team has been really successful and I don’t think anybody is surprised that Brentford get results.”

West Ham had lost all four of their Premier League meetings with Brentford. Nevertheless, despite their recent erratic spell, confidence was significantly boosted following Wednesday’s cup victory.

But it was the home side who took the lead after just eleven minutes. Neal Maupay was on hand to nod home his first goal in fifteen months from close range after Frank Onyeka’s scuffed attempt had fallen kindly for the French frontman. 

Brentford’s lead lasted just eight minutes. Mohammed Kudus is making something of a name for himself. This time, he met Michail Antonio’s cross with a sweet scissor-kick, giving Bees stopper Mark Flekken no chance as the ball fizzed into the net.

With the wind in their sails, Wes Ham swiftly turned the game on its head. Kudus turned Said Benrahma’s cross onto the post. Jarrod Bowen followed up to net from close range. It was the sixth successive away league fixture in which Bowen had found the net. A Premier League record.

Antonio somehow missed the target from a little over two yards out after Bowen had rolled across the face of goal. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo was a twice whisker away from levelling the score in first-half stoppage time.

Thomas Strakosha replaced Flekken between the posts for Brentford ahead of the second period. But at the other end, the Bees were soon on terms. Mbeumo’s centre was headed into his own goal by Mavropanos. The home side now appeared to be in the ascendancy.

Indeed, the Bees were now on top and it came as little surprise when they forged ahead. Mathias Jensen’s pin-point cross was met by Nathan Collins. Alphonse Areola, helpless as the ball flew high into the top corner.

Substitute, Pablo Fornals fired over from eighteen yards after Kudus had teed him up, while Maupay swept the wrong side of an upright as the home side countered. 

Emerson’s wayward attempt signalled the end for West Ham. The defeat leaves them languishing in midtable, while sections of the support vented their disappointment and continue to lose faith in the man at the helm.

West Ham United now turn their attention to the UEFA Europa League where they face Olympiacos at the London Stadium on Thursday, November 9 (8pm).

Brentford: Flekken (Strakosha 46′), Pinnock, Ajer (Roerslev 79′), Collins, Nørgaard (Capt), Janelt (Mee 90+1′), Oneyka, Jensen (Yarmolyuk 78′), Mbueno, Wissa (Ghoddos 89′), Maupay Subs not used: Zanka, Olakigbe, Bierley, Mayowa Adedokun

Booked: Ajer (foul)

Goals: Maupay 11′, Mavropanos (own-goal) 55′, Collins 69′

West Ham United: Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Aguerd, Emerson, Ward-Prowse (Capt), Souček, Kudus, Bowen, Benrahma (Fornals 64′), Antonio (Ings 64′) Subs not used: Fabiański (GK), Johnson, Cresswell, Kehrer, Ogbonna, Cornet, Mubama

Booked: Emerson (dissent), Soucek (foul), Mavropanos (foul), Ings (dissent)

Goals: Kudus 19′, Bowen 26′

Referee: Thomas Bramall

Assistants: Simon Bennett and Mark Scholes

Fourth Oficial: John Busby

VAR: Michael Salisbury

Assistant VAR: Derek Eaton

Attendance: 17,103 (1,700 from West Ham United)