Brentford Secure Club-Record Away Win Against West Ham

Brentford made history on their travels as they secured a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, marking their third consecutive top-flight away win—a new club record. The game was dominated by the visitors in the first half, with Kevin Schade scoring the decisive goal in the fourth minute. Despite two tight VAR calls for offside going against them, Brentford held on to their lead, thanks in part to some excellent goalkeeping and defensive resilience.

The match started with a lightning-fast attack from Brentford, as Yoane Wissa’s clever pass from deep inside his own half released Schade. The German forward’s initial effort was half-saved by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but Schade was quick to react, slotting home the rebound. VAR reviewed the goal for offside, but it stood, giving Brentford an early advantage. However, the visitors were denied further goals in the first half as two of Wissa’s strikes were ruled out for offside, despite their dominance on the pitch.

Team News: Changes and Reactions

West Ham manager Graham Potter made three changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Chelsea, recalling Lucas Paqueta, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Edson Alvarez. The home side struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with Potter admitting that the performance was “nowhere near where we want to be.” In contrast, Brentford boss Thomas Frank made just one change, bringing back goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who played a crucial role in securing the clean sheet.

Potter’s triple substitution at halftime aimed to inject energy into his team, and while West Ham improved in the second half, they failed to capitalize on their chances. Mohammed Kudus squandered a golden opportunity early in the second half, blazing over an open goal after being set up by substitute Evan Ferguson. Flekken’s brilliance between the posts further frustrated the hosts, ensuring Brentford’s lead remained intact.

Player Ratings: Schade Steals the Show

Kevin Schade was the standout performer for Brentford, earning a perfect 10/10 rating for his goal and overall contribution. His determination and composure in front of goal were key to Brentford’s victory. Other Brentford players, including Yoane Wissa and Vitaly Janelt, also impressed with their performances. For West Ham, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka were among the higher-rated players, but the team as a whole struggled to create clear opportunities.

Managerial Reactions: Frank and Potter Reflect

Thomas Frank expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting that Brentford should have been 3-0 up by halftime. He praised his side’s control and dominance in the first half but acknowledged the challenges posed by West Ham’s changes in the second half. Frank also highlighted the significance of the win, stating that it was a “very nice feeling” to secure three consecutive away wins in the top flight.

Graham Potter, on the other hand, was left frustrated by his team’s display. He admitted that the first half was unacceptable and that West Ham had been vulnerable to Brentford’s counterattacks. Despite acknowledging improvements in the second half, Potter emphasized the need for better results and performances to turn their season around.

VAR and Controversy: A Day of Tight Calls

The match was heavily influenced by VAR decisions, with several key moments reviewed. Schade’s goal was initially cleared off the line by Areola but was awarded after a goal-line technology review. Two of Wissa’s goals were later disallowed for offside, much to Brentford’s frustration. While VAR ultimately favored Brentford with the decisive goal, the tight calls added to the tension and highlighted the complexities of using technology in football.

The Bigger Picture: West Ham’s Struggles Continue

The defeat leaves West Ham in 16th place, with just one win in all competitions since Graham Potter took over in January. Potter’s side is under pressure to improve, with fans voicing their dissatisfaction at full time. While relegation seems unlikely given their ten-point cushion over the bottom three, the Hammers need to find consistency quickly to avoid further slipping down the table.

Brentford, meanwhile, continue to defy expectations. Their third consecutive away win keeps them in 11th place, showcasing their ability to compete against top-tier opposition. With a solid defensive unit and clinical finishing, the Bees are proving to be a formidable opponent in the Premier League.

In conclusion, this match was a tale of two halves—Brentford’s dominance in the first and West Ham’s improved but fruitless efforts in the second. While Schade’s goal and VAR’s interventions stole the headlines, the result underscores the contrasting fortunes of both teams as they navigate the challenges of the Premier League.