Kevin Schade’s early goal was enough to give Brentford a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, as Thomas Frank’s team secured a club-record third consecutive away win in the Premier League.
Brentford dominated the opening 45 minutes, but their lead was a slender one thanks to Schade’s fourth-minute strike. The visitors had two narrow calls for offside go against them, but they were fortunate when VAR ultimately sided with them for the winning goal.
The goal came from a brilliant pass by Yoane Wissa from inside his own half, sending Schade racing forward. After a collision between West Ham defenders Emerson and Max Kilman, Schade’s initial shot was parried by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who managed to get back in time to claw the ball off the line. However, Schade was quick to react and tapped in the rebound. The goal was subjected to a goal-line technology check and a VAR review for offside, but ultimately stood, giving Brentford the lead.
Despite dominating play, Brentford only went into the break with a 1-0 advantage, as two additional strikes from Wissa were ruled out for offside. West Ham boss Graham Potter made a triple substitution at halftime, hoping to turn the tide, and the changes did have an effect as the hosts started to assert themselves more in the second half.
However, West Ham’s efforts were thwarted by a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping. Mohammed Kudus missed a golden opportunity, blasting the ball over an open goal after being set up by substitute Evan Ferguson. Meanwhile, Brentford’s goalkeeper Mark Flekken was in top form, making several key saves to keep his team in front and preserve the lead.
West Ham’s frustration boiled over, and the final whistle was met with boos from the home crowd. Potter’s side has now won just one game in all competitions since he took charge in January, leaving the new manager with much to improve as his team struggles for form.
