Delve into the exciting details of the Brentford vs. West Ham match, featuring Mbeumo’s early strike and Soucek’s crucial save, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Introduction:
In a London derby full of action, it ends 1-1 between Brentford and West Ham United at Gtech Community Stadium after an exciting match. Although the Bees dreamt of the perfect start with a Bryan Mbeumo strike in the opening minutes, Tomas Soucek’s leveler in the second half has meant the point would be shared at the end of the match. This leaves the two teams in the following places within the Premier League table: Brentford occupy 12th place while West Ham is two places below them in 14th.
A Fast Start for Brentford
For the third time in four Premier League games, Brentford took the lead inside the first minute of play. On this occasion it was just 38 seconds before the Bees opened up when Fabio Carvalho headed on to allow Bryan Mbeumo to volley home. The goal was Mbeumo’s fifth in six matches, continuing a glittering run and marking his 14th goal involvement in 15 London derby appearances.
See also: Jackson Shines as Chelsea Defeat West Ham 3-0 in Dominant Display: Premier League
Although this promising start was soon turned around, Brentford failed to take much from the first half. While they used long periods of possession and dominated the earlier stages of the game, the home side could not register another shot on target before halftime. Mbeumo came close to doubling the lead when he headed over from a cross by Mikkel Damsgaard.
See also: Jarrod Bowen Shines as West Ham Thrash Ipswich 4-1: Premier League
Soucek Scores Again for West Ham
West Ham, who took time to get going after conceding inside the first minute, started to find some rhythm to the match before half-time. They couldn’t really carve out that clear opportunity, but were lucky enough to score when, after a bit of well-worked group play involving Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen on the edge of the box, Michail Antonio’s deflected effort fell nicely for Soucek to finish with the classy touches.
See also: Brentford Overcome Wolves 5-3 to Climb into Premier League’s Top Half
West Ham equalized the game, and the two teams started playing to win the single goal. Glorious openings were very less as both the teams defenses were very tight. In the second half, there was just one good attempt which was from Yehor Yarmoliuk with which Alphonse Areola of West Ham comfortably blocked the shot.
Premature Goals by Brentford but Missed Chances
One feature of some of their latest games is that Brentford start well, scoring early on but then failing to take the game from here. Mbeumo has been in stellar form, but the team is having trouble scoring that all-important second goal to finish things off. Brentford’s defense for much of the match looked impenetrable, but the West Ham equalizer came after a blocked shot fell nicely into Soucek’s path.
Thomas Frank’s side has been excellent in front of its own fans, but failing to take the lead and secure wins is something they’ll need to turn around. After promising opening matches like this, though, Brentford will aim to actually build a few wins as the season progresses.
West Ham Defensive Gains
This was only West Ham’s second draw in four games and a fine improvement on defense after they had capitulated badly against Chelsea. Certainly, from the early goal West Ham improved massively at the back, not really allowing Brentford a serious chance to score more than once.
He may be satisfied with everything that came around this week despite being eliminated in the EFL Cup at the hands of Liverpool. It was lucky when they came back and equalized, but however, the fighting spirit displayed by the team was very superb. The next big games for them are against Spurs and Manchester United. In the match against Exeter, manager Julen Lopetegui was relieved to see such defensive solidity from his side.
Closing Thoughts: Mbeumo’s Brilliance
A 1-1 result reflected an even balance in play after neither side was able to assert their authority after an early quick-fire opening. Brentford will be frustrated with their inability to close out games, while West Ham will be encouraged by their defensive performance after a tough week. Both teams continue to hover around mid-table and much of the season remains for both to progress and improve their standing.