West Ham’s momentum in the relegation battle came to a grinding halt on Saturday as they were thrashed 3-0 at Brentford.
While West Ham remain out of the Premier League’s relegation zone for now, things could change very quickly and the tame nature of their performance in west London does not inspire much confidence.
OUCH! What are your INSTANT reactions to that? 😡
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side struggled throughout and, frankly, largely deserved what they got.
Here are five things that Hammers News learned.
Advantage Tottenham in the relegation battle
There is now a distinct possibility that Tottenham could overtake West Ham in the Premier League table on Sunday night.
Following West Ham’s defeat, Spurs know a win at Aston Villa could pull them out of the fire for a week at least.
Who was West Ham’s WORST player vs Brentford and why?! 👀
The margins are fine and while it’s difficult to back Spurs right now, West Ham’s rather meek defeat hands them a major boost heading into a huge game.
Luck against West Ham United
Last week, West Ham were perhaps lucky to have escaped giving away a penalty against Everton after a handball incident involving Mateus Fernandes.
This time around, lady luck was firmly against the Hammers. They did not lose because of bad luck, but any team who hits the woodwork three times in the same game has to be considered somewhat unfortunate.
Nothing is over yet but sometimes you need luck to go your way. On Saturday, it didn’t.
Calls for Callum Wilson
Wilson’s bit-part role at West Ham has been the subject of much debate in recent days after he scored another late winner against Everton last time out.
There is certainly logic in starting Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, given they offer much more in the way of industry.
Still, the away fans were heard chanting Wilson’s name long before his arrival on the pitch, perhaps underlining their frustrations with the other two forwards.
Malick Diouf fails Manchester United audition
This was not a good game for El Hadji Malick Diouf, even if he was somewhat unlucky to have an assist ruled out for the Mavropanos goal that was chalked off by VAR.
The Senegal international gave away a needless penalty in the second half, which took the game away from the Irons.
Diouf has been linked with Manchester United, having impressed this season for his attacking prowess.
This was a reminder, however, that Diouf remains a work in progress.
Keiber Lamadrid returns to the squad
It was interesting to see Keiber Lamadrid back in the squad on Saturday.
Not since the win away at Fulham back in March has the January signing even made a match day squad at senior level.
The Venezuelan, however, took the place of Freddie Potts on the West Ham bench.
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