West Ham vs Brentford Report

Scorers: Schade 4’

Brentford made history by securing their third successive Premier League away victory for the first time, edging past West Ham United 1-0 at the London Stadium.

A fast start saw Kevin Schade score the game’s only goal in the fourth minute, as Thomas Frank’s men extended their dominance over the Hammers while leaving Graham Potter’s struggling side with just one win in their last eight matches.

Schade’s Early Strike Puts Brentford in Control

Brentford wasted no time in asserting themselves, taking the lead inside four minutes. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken launched a swift counterattack after gathering a West Ham corner, with the ball eventually finding Schade.

His initial shot was denied by Alphonse Areola’s outstretched foot, but after the goalkeeper scrambled to claw away the looping rebound, Schade reacted quickest to bundle the ball over the line.

West Ham struggled to respond, as Brentford continued to dominate the first half. The visitors thought they had doubled their lead after 24 minutes when Yoane Wissa capitalised on a misplaced pass from Lucas Paquetá, but a narrow offside decision denied the goal.

Brentford’s frustration grew as Schade struck the post, and Wissa was again denied by an offside flag before half-time.

Potter’s Tactical Changes Spark Improvement

Graham Potter, determined to turn the tide, made three half-time substitutions, including the introduction of Evan Ferguson, a player he had previously worked with at Brighton.

The young forward made an instant impact, setting up Mohammed Kudus, but the Ghanaian’s effort sailed over the bar.

West Ham grew into the contest in the second half, pressing higher and creating more openings. Brentford, meanwhile, adopted a more defensive approach, protecting their slender lead as they absorbed pressure from the home side.

Brentford Hold Firm to Claim Vital Win

West Ham had scored in the final 20 minutes in each of their last seven matches, and their fans hoped for another late twist. However, Brentford’s disciplined defence held firm, frustrating the Hammers and ultimately securing all three points in a hard-fought London derby.

What This Means for Both Teams

• West Ham United: The Hammers remain in 16th place after another disappointing result, with Potter yet to turn around their form. While they hold a 10-point cushion over the relegation zone, their current run of one win in eight matches (D1, L6) raises concerns over their trajectory.
• Brentford: Thomas Frank’s side stays 11th in the table but continues to push towards the top half. Their first-ever run of three consecutive Premier League away wins highlights their growing confidence, keeping them in touching distance of the European places.

Final Thoughts

Brentford’s ability to capitalise on their early dominance proved decisive, while their defensive resilience in the second half ensured a deserved victory. For West Ham, this was another frustrating evening, with their lack of cutting edge continuing to hurt them.

While Brentford celebrate a historic achievement, the pressure mounts on Potter, who must find a way to reverse West Ham’s fortunes before their season derails further.

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West Ham v Brentford, 2024/25 | Premier League