A surging Brentford poked at West Ham’s wound

David Moyes’ West Ham, a revelation in the past two seasons by finishing sixth and seventh in the final standings respectively, have not lifted their heads in the Premier League and remain a point behind the relegation positions which there is a serious risk of falling off the cliff at the end of day 18, which will be completed by the end of the week.

The ‘hammers’ agreed today against a Brentford who rose (0-2) to their fifth successive defeat as their possession of the ball was completely sterile as they wasted several chances to score. So far in the Premier they have scored just 13 goals in 15 games.

Indeed, within a minute Declan Race had put West Ham ahead with a shot with a thread that rattled the post. Soon after, it was centre-back Craig Dawson who had another good chance with a header from a corner which just missed the post (11′).

West Ham forgave and paid for it

In football, forgiveness pays, and Ivan Toney took advantage of a ball that goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski flicked on after Christian Noorgard’s shot to score his 12th league goal.

Despite a 0-1 draw, West Ham insisted but there was no final victory, as in the 34th minute, when David Raya from Barcelona took a shot that hit the post from Emerson Palmieri.

Brentford, on the other hand, were very effective in their arrivals and, after beating Aaron Cresswell with pace to a long ball, Josh Dasilva made it 0-2, beating Fabianski one-on-one (42′).

Discounted in the first half, Lucas Paquetá’s shot came off the post which was almost the last clear chance for West Ham for the rest of the game.

Toney, taken off on a stretcher

The Londoners didn’t have the energy to risk in the second half with few scoring options. Brentford continued their climb and were ninth after a five-game unbeaten run, but in the closing moments Toney was strained after picking up an injury.