West Ham United vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
West Ham 4-2 Brentford: Jarrod Bowen’s first career hat-trick ended the Hammers’ six-game winless run in the Premier League and lifted the pressure on Thomas Frank
Jarrod Bowen scored a hat-trick as West Ham beat bogey side Brentford 4-2 to ease the pressure on David Moyes.
The Hammers won their first match of 2024, with Bowen scoring his first goals since before Christmas, to end a miserable run of eight games without a victory which had prompted more questions about the manager’s future.
Played five, lost five was their sorry Premier League record against Brentford, the only team of the 43 Moyes had faced in the top flight and not previously beaten.
Finally the rot was stopped as Brentford, already plunged deeper into the relegation scrap earlier on Monday following Everton’s points deduction being reduced from 10 to six, suffered another defeat - their 12th in 15 matches since beating West Ham at home in November.
West Ham United vs Brentford
To give you a flavour of how this game has gone, West Ham have an xG of 1.17, while Brentford's is a measly 0.14 - something they will have to improve massively if they are to get back into this one in the second half. Can they do it? Stick with us to find out.
West Ham United vs Brentford
Well it was an absolutely breathless start to the game at the London Stadium where Bowen had scored twice before some had even managed to take their seats in the stadium. Brentford hit back quickly through Maupay and the tension among the home fans set in a little bit. But the hosts will definitely be the happier of the two sides and they will be disappointed to only be leading by one goal. Brentford, by contrast, will be happy to hear the half-time whistle so they can regroup and go again.
West Ham United vs Brentford
That would been a sickener for West Ham. A Reguilon free-kick is only partly dealt with and it's clipped back into Toney, who shoots wide when off balance. The flag was up again but West Ham had just a little warning sign there.
West Ham United vs Brentford
GOOA-NO! Well the offside flag is up anyway, which will be a relief for Soucek. Ward-Prowse whips a delightful free-kick into the area and Soucek is free in the area but on the stretch puts it over the bar. But, as mentioned, it wouldn't have counted anyway.
West Ham United vs Brentford
West Ham have registered their most shots at goal in the first half of a Premier League game this season. They'll be hoping to turn one or two more into goals after the break, mind.
West Ham United vs Brentford
One thing that will be a huge frustration to Frank is how sloppy his side have been in their own half. Both goals came from poor play in deep in their territory but there been several other moments where they've just given the ball away. For West Ham, Soucek heads over from an Emerson left-wing cross - they look the most likely to make something happen.
West Ham United vs Brentford
The Bees have lost their sting a little bit and have largely been chasing shadows. You get the feeling that Frank would be more than happy to get into half-time with the score as it is so he can reset and deliver some instructions to his side.
West Ham United vs Brentford
Ooooh should Kudus have passed that one? The Ghanian is a very direct player and with a chance to shoot from 25 yards he's always going to do it, but his effort goes wide of the right post. To the left of him Ward-Prowse throws his arms up in frustration because he was in an excellent position.
West Ham United vs Brentford
The next goal in this one, if indeed there is one, feels mightily important in this game. If West Ham can get another then it is hard to imagine Brentford will get anything. If the Bees find an equaliser then West Ham heads might drop. It really has been an excellent encounter so far.
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