Premier League seventh-placed Brentford suffered a somewhat surprising defeat in the FA Cup round of 16 at basement club West Ham on Monday evening. Penalties were already a hot topic of discussion during regular time, before Ouattara finally sealed the Bees’ fate with an embarrassing Panenka from 11 meters.
It has become something of a tradition this season for FA Cup matches involving West Ham United to go into extra time at the very least. In the third round, the Hammers advanced against Queens Park Rangers after 120 minutes (2-1), and West Ham also needed extra time to beat Burton Albion (1-0). Monday evening’s all-Premier League clash with Brentford was set to go one step further.
But first things first: The Bees, who are eleven places above West Ham in the Premier League, started the game at London Stadium with determination. A first dangerous warning shot from Henderson (6′) was followed by the first big chance from Kayode – but the advancing defender’s shot was far too central (11′).
The home side proved much more efficient, suddenly taking the lead in the 19th minute: after a cross from Mateus Fernandes, Ajer unfortunately set up Bowen, who finished coolly from five yards out. The response came from Igor Thiago, who deflected a powerful Collins header with his chest (28′).
A clear miss – but the whistle remains silent
But West Ham did not let that throw them off course and took the lead again with a VAR penalty: Bowen took advantage of Kayode’s gift (foul on Adama) to make it 2-1 (34′). Just five minutes later, however, the visitors vehemently demanded a penalty when Mateus Fernandes clearly stepped on Schade’s foot in the penalty area and then looked guilty. Referee Andrew Madley let play continue and was not called to the screen by VAR – a highly controversial decision (39′).
After the break, West Ham looked for the decisive goal through their busy substitute Summerville, but were not clinical enough in front of the opponent’s goal. That’s why the Premier League’s bottom club actually had to swallow the equalizer: Once again, the lively Ouattara initiated the move, Summerville clumsily pushed opponent Kayode in the back in the five-meter box – and this time there was a penalty. Igor Thiago stepped up and, like Bowen before him, scored a brace (81′).
Donovan misses the chance to seal the win
Once again, it was “only” enough for extra time for the Hammers. In extra time, Bees substitute Donovan missed the best chance (105+2), which is why it ultimately went to penalties. West Ham’s professionals converted with dreamlike certainty, mostly into the top right corner. In the end, a single miss decided the game: Ouattara, who had played strongly throughout the 120 minutes, took Brentford’s second penalty and attempted an embarrassing Panenka, which keeper Areola had been waiting for and therefore caught the ball.
Now the Hammers are even dreaming of the big prize: before the kickoff, the draw had already determined that the winner of the match at London Stadium would face Premier League newcomers Leeds United at home. In the big game, Manchester City will face Liverpool FC.