West Ham United reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in ten years by beating Brentford in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday evening.
After a thrilling 2-2 draw that dragged into extra-time without a winner, West Ham beat Brentford 5-3 on penalties to tee-up an FA Cup quarter-final clash at home to Leeds next month.
Who was West Ham’s BEST PLAYER against Brentford?! 🤔
The two London rivals played out a thrilling cup tie and West Ham found a way to continue their fine form on an enthralling night at the London Stadium.
With that in mind, Hammers News picks out five images that sum up the game.
Kante has just given Nuno something to think about! 🇫🇷
What did you make of his performance?
Captain fantastic Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen scored twice on the night and also converted in the shootout to continue his fine response to recent doubts.
Indeed, Bowen had started to come under criticism from some West Ham fans, having appeared to lack energy over the last few games.
That, however, now looks to be a thing of the past. Bowen was excellent on Monday night and deserved to bask in the glory after scoring his first goal.
The bubble hasn’t burst yet
There’s nothing quite like a cup run and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed their victory over Brentford.
The drama of the penalty shootout lent itself to some brilliant scenes of celebration in the stands.
Watching all five penalties go in with such aplomb was cathartic. There hasn’t been a lot to shout about this season, but West Ham fans are starting to believe and the fact all five of their penalty takers did the business was further proof that such trust is well placed.
Nuno can’t watch!
As a former goalkeeper, Nuno Espirito Santo will know all about penalty shootouts.
Still, he still doesn’t like watching them.
In fact, it was mentioned during TNT Sports commentary that Nuno couldn’t watch Bowen’s penalty in normal time, while he also remained on the bench during the shootout itself.
After the game, Nuno told reporters: “I don’t like to see it, I get too nervous, too anxious.
“I’m going to see it now. I’ve been told they were really well taken.”
Team spirit and togetherness
This West Ham United side are increasingly looking like a band of brothers.
There’s a spirit and a unity there, traits which were profoundly lacking here in east London only a few months ago.
That was typified during the scenes of celebration when Konstantinos Mavropanos scored the winning spot-kick in brilliant fashion.
The passion in this team can no longer be questioned.
Fan protests continue
There are clearly deeper issues in play at West Ham right now.
Talk to West Ham fan en route from Stratford station to the London Stadium and they’ll vent their frustrations about the board to you and they are certainly right to.
No matter what happens on the pitch, supporters are unlikely to soften in that stance.
The “No more BS” campaign continued on Monday night, with supporters holding up red cards carrying that message in protest against David Sullivan and Karren Brady.
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