West Ham United (0) 1 v 2 (1) Brentford
80 Bowen, assist Soucek 20 Mbeumo
90+4 Wissa
Yellows: Zouma, Rice Canos, Jorgensen, Norgaard
Played Sunday 3 October 2021 at the London Stadium, Referee P Bankes.
This may have been their first league meeting since 1993, when the Hammers won 4-0 and went up to the Premier League (PL) and the Bees were relegated to the 3rd Division, but Brentford F C got their revenge over West Ham United in their first Premier London derby (PLDs) match. Bryan Mbeumo gave the visitors the lead when goal-line technology showed that his follow-up shot had indeed crossed the line despite goal-keeper Lukasz Fabianski’s efforts. The home side had more shots (18 v 13) but fewer on target (5 v 6), and it took Jarrod Bowen’s first goal in 17 games to bring them level in the 80th minute.
The contest went to the last kick summarizing Brentford’s persistent enthusiasm and energy which is bringing them so much praise. Just as West ham United won a point with their last kick of the epic PLDs match to draw 3-3 at Tottenham Hotspur in October 2020 so they lost their point to a last kick of the match. It came from Brentford’s Yoane Wissa whose shot went through a crowded penalty area as the ball came back to him from Matthias Jensen’s corner kick and Pontus Jansson’s header. These are names we shall be hearing more.
The next time we may hear them will be Saturday 16 October when Brentford entertain top of the PL Chelsea in a West London Premier London derby. Then there is Arsenal v Crystal Palace on Monday 18 October 2021. There are no PLDs matches this weekend, nor any PL matches since it is an International break week for World Cup qualifying matches. Still there is plenty to talk about with the Saudi Arabian take-over of Newcastle United at last to bring even more petro-dollars into the PL to challenge the “top six” like Brentford are doing, but with good football and honest endeavour not just money.
Until next time, enjoy your football and “Keep Safe”, Andrew at PLDs.