1 min
Brentford conjured up a late show in East London to beat West Ham United 2-1 at the London Stadium – taking home the Capital’s derby day bragging rights.
A fast start from the Bees saw them almost take the lead inside two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo clipped the woodwork from a long-range strike.
However, Brentford’s intense early pressure did pay off in the 20th minute as Ivan Toney’s defence splitting pass found Sergi Canos whose timid effort rebounded into Mbeumo’s path to prod home.
West Ham came out of the traps flying after the interval and Brentford were nearly caught out by a Jarrod Bowen header before Rico Henry miraculously denied a certain goal-bound effort from Pablo Fornals.
The hosts did eventually find an equaliser though – Bowen striking a low darted effort into the bottom corner with ten minutes remaining.
But a late tactical masterclass from Bees boss Thomas Frank would see substitute Yoane Wissa rifle home to snatch all three points in a pulsating game.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Yoane Wissa’s late goal gave Brentford an impressive smash-and-grab victory over the Hammers at a stadium that has been seen as a fortress so far this season.
Moan of the Match
Shandon Baptiste’s abrupt injury just before the half hour mark was a huge frustration just as he and the rest of the Brentford side were getting into their stride.
Talking Point
Thomas Frank’s decision to introduce Yoane Wissa was a tactical masterclass for the second week running – has the 25-year old done enough to claim a starting place?
Man of the Match
Bryan Mbeumo – will have been disappointed to be replaced by eventual match-winner Wissa, but nevertheless put in a great performance and opened the scoring.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Peter Bankes (Merseyside) – despite some wayward officiating at times, managed to keep control in a game that had a total of 24 fouls.
Atmosphere
The Brentford supporters were in full voice throughout despite their distance from the pitch and their long journey back to TW8 will be great to say the least.
Verdict
Brentford’s impressive start to their inaugural Premier League campaign continues and sets Thomas Frank’s side up nicely for a tough run of fixtures after the international break.
