Jarrod Bowen struck a hat-trick to end his goal drought as West ham drubbed a struggling Brentford 4-2 to secure their first win in nine games on Monday at the London Stadium.
It was The Hammers’ first win of 2024, with Bowen scoring his first goals since before Christmas –December 23 -, ending a miserable run of eight games without victory, easing the pressure on manager David Moyes, whose performances prompted questions about his future.
West ham also possessed a poor record against the Bees coming into the match, having played five and lost five, the only team of the 43 that Moyes had faced in the top flight and not previously beaten.
Bowen broke the deadlock in the 5th minute as Emerson run onto a James Ward Prowse ball, to set up the unmarked Bowen, who slotted past the desperate dive of Brentford keeper Mark Flekken.
He would be on target two minutes later, as VladamirCoufal’s cross needed any touch, with the English International on hand to double the advantage for his side.
The Bees would respond in the 13th minute, as Neil Maupay latched onto a Keane Lewis Potter through ball, to loop the ball over the on-rushing Lukasz Fabainski.
Bowen would complete his hat trick in the 63rd minute, as Mohammed Kudus’ trickery on the right wing saw him send a delightful cross into the danger area, Bowen on target to head it home and restore the Hammers two-goal cushion.
Emerson would strike a long-range effort that saw the Hammers record 4 past their London rivals, but it would be too little too late for Yoane Wissa whose goal in the 83rd minute proved to be a consolation.
The win sees West Ham move up to 8th with 39 points, while Brentford slump to 16th with 25 points.
John Njuguna
