West Ham United (0) 0 v 1 (1) Brentford
4 Schade
Yellows: Soucek Damsgaard
Played Saturday 15 February 2025 at The London Stadium, attendance 62,467.
Rather like waiting for a London bus it’s now 3 consecutive away wins for Brentford for the first time since coming up into the Premier League (PL) in season 2021-22. Their early goal by Kevin Schade was confirmed by goal-line technology after Hammers’ keeper Alphonse Areola had appeared to pull off a wonder save. That would have been West ham United’s only outstanding contribution to the first half in which The Bees’ Yoane Wissa had two “goals” ruled out for offside. The home side were booed and met with cynical negative chants at the final whistle despite an improved second-half. West Ham United are lacking the leadership of Declan Rice and the pragmatism of David Moyes – but the fans did not want that.
They will meet up with their former Captain again on Saturday 22 February when it is Arsenal v West Ham United. This will be only their second Premier London Derbies (PLDs) home match for Arsenal who have already played all their 6 away PLDs fixtures. The Hammers won last season’s PLDs match at The Emirates, but The Gunners have won all the previous 7 going back to season 2016-17. Expect more doom and gloom.
On Saturday 22 February it is also Fulham v Crystal Palace – 8th with 39 points v 13th with 30. The last two seasons have produced score draws, but Crystal Palace won at Craven Cottage 1-2 in 2020-21 and 0-2 in 2018-19. This season Fulham are playing fluently and expect them to pass the 40 points mark in this only their 26th PL match.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.