West Ham agony continues under Espirito Santo

After taking the position of West Ham manager, Nuno Espirito Santo played two games away (drew one, lost one) and finally faced his home debut, against Brentford. But it was a gloomy introduction to the London Stadium, as he walked into a fans‘ boycott, half empty stadium, terrible display from his players and a defeat from a mediocre team: West Ham – Brentford 0-2. Santo did wonders with Nottingham Forest as he took them as relegation candidates and brought them to Europe League, but this one will be a big challenge. The Hammes will be in a relegation battle this season and it showed today, when they had a fantastic opportunity to get three points against Brentford. But they had no idea, no energy and no chances and this is worrying for the fans, who boycotted the game.

It was a half-empty London stadium as supporters’ group Hammers United called for a total boycott of tonight‘s game against Brentford. They are prostesting against the club’s board and their sole aim is to force chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to step down. They protested against Crystal Palace, and at Arsenal, where black balloons and flags were visible in the away end at the Emirates. Tonight the atmosphere was at it‘s lowest point, and the players reacted badly as well.

Zero minutes under Alonso, new chance in London?

It was a nervy first 30 minutes for both teams, especially since West Ham formed a deep defensive position when out of possesion and Brentford couldn‘t move through the lines. But it soon changed and the hosts suddenly started to defend while the Bees created first chance of the game. Kayode crossed the ball into the box, where Ouattara rised to flick the ball on and from close range Thiago's side-footed volley with his left foot hit the crossbar and went over. One minute later, another good opportunity for the guests. Another cross from the right caused problems in the hosts' penalty area as Damsgaard got his head to it and forced Areola to fly to his right to push the ball behind. West Ham keeper made a save from Thiago again after another minute as the Hammers were literally under siege from Brentford. In those five minutes, the guests had eight shots an the ninth finally resulted in a goal. In the 43rd minute Schade passed the ball to Thiago, whose first-time shot was nearly kept out by Areola although the ball trickles over the line: 1-0.

Deep in injury time the Bees scored the second goal (again Thiago), but VAR pointed out that he was in offside position. The home team had only one opportunity in the first 45 minutes and it happened in fifth minute of overtime when Jarrod Bowen took a shot from outside of the box, forcing Kelleher into a sharp save down to his right. Espirito Santo made three changes at half-time as Diouf, Mavropanos and Wan-Bissaka were introduced instead of Scarles, Fernandes and Walker-Peters. This changed also meant that the Hammers started to play with five at the back, but it didn‘t change much. The first big opportunity in the second half belonged to Brentford again. Ouattara put it on a plate for Schade in the middle of the five meters box but his header hit the crossbar for the second time tonight. Thiago tried again in the 79th minute but Areola saved at his near post. West Ham tried to do something but failed to even make a proper opportunity while Brentford even scored the second one in injury time.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 8

Saturday

Nottingham Forest - Chelsea 0-3 (0-0)

/Acheampong 49, Neto 52, James 84/

Brighton - Newcastle 2-1 (1-0)

/Welbeck 41, 84 - Woltemade 76/

Burnley - Leeds 2-0 (1-0)

/Ugochukwu 18, Tchaouna 68/

Crystal Palace - Bournemouth 3-3 (0-2)

/Mateta 64, 69, 90+7 pen - Kroupi 7, 38, Christie 89/

Manchester City - Everton 2-0 (0-0)

/Haaland 58, 63/

Sunderland - Wolverhampton 2-0 (1-0)

/Mukiele 16, Krejci 90+3 og/

Fulham - Arsenal 0-1 (0-0)

/Trossard 58/

Sunday

Tottenham - Aston Villa 1-2 (1-1)

/Betancur 5 - Rogers 37, Buendia 77/

Liverpool - Manchester Utd. 1-2 (0-1)

/Mbeumo 2, Maguire 84 - Gakpo 78/

Monday

West Ham - Brentford 0-2 (0-1)

/Igor Thiago 43, Jensen 90+4/