Jarrod Bowen’s Landmark Hat-Trick Propels West Ham United To Victory Against Brentford
Jarrod Bowen achieved his inaugural Premier League hat-trick as West Ham United triumphed 4-2 against Brentford at the London Stadium, breaking two unfavorable streaks in the process.
The former Hull City winger swiftly found the net twice within the opening 10 minutes, although Neal Maupay managed a prompt response for Brentford. Nonetheless, the visitors’ defensive lapses persisted, allowing Bowen to etch his name in history as the first West Ham player to secure a Premier League hat-trick at the London Stadium.
Emerson Palmieri added another stunning goal before Yoane Wissa provided a consolation for Brentford, concluding a thrilling six-goal London derby. This victory marked West Ham’s first Premier League win of 2024 and their inaugural triumph over Brentford in the top flight.
Lucas Paqueta made his first Premier League start for West Ham since December following his calf injury, while Keane Lewis-Potter, Maupay, and Mathias Jensen returned to Brentford’s starting lineup.
Despite Brentford’s previous dominance in their five Premier League encounters, West Ham’s impressive start under unexpected circumstances signaled a promising shift. Bowen’s early strike, a result of Edson Alvarez’s swift interception and a rapid team play, set the tone just moments after Tomas Soucek’s missed opportunity.
Jarrod Bowen has his hat-trick! 🎩🪄
West Ham restore their two-goal lead at the London Stadium 💪 pic.twitter.com/spuVawRPac
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 26, 2024
Just two minutes after igniting the London Stadium crowd, Bowen capitalized on more defensive errors from Brentford. Following a careless concession of possession by Zanka, the Hammers swiftly switched the ball from left to right, allowing the Englishman to connect with Vladimir Coufal’s low delivery into the box and fire home.
However, the hosts’ euphoria was short-lived as a stunned Brentford halved the deficit 13 minutes later. Lewis-Potter spotted Maupay’s clever run across the edge of the box and delivered a precise pass, enabling the Frenchman to find the top corner of the net.
Another defensive blunder led to yet another early goal, with Kurt Zouma’s giveaway creating ample space for Lewis-Potter to exploit. Consequently, the pace of the game predictably slowed down after such an intense start.
Controversy ensued in the 16th minute when Mohammed Kudus pushed Sergio Reguilon inside the penalty area, but neither Simon Hooper nor the VAR room deemed it worthy of intervention.
As the first half progressed, the hosts significantly outshot Brentford, registering 14 attempts compared to the visitors’ two. However, their wastefulness hindered their chances of restoring their two-goal lead.
Despite still trailing by just one goal at halftime, Brentford narrowly avoided being reduced to ten men in the 54th minute when Reguilon, already booked, fouled Soucek from behind, but Hooper opted not to issue another yellow card.
Brentford suffered a defensive setback just after the hour mark as Ben Mee was forced off due to a foot injury, with Nathan Collins taking his place. Only two minutes later, following the substitution, the visitors conceded once again.
Stop what you are doing and watch this strike from Emerson Palmieri! 🤤 pic.twitter.com/19fkKdgZjc
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 26, 2024
Another right-sided cross proved pivotal for West Ham as Kudus delivered a precise inswinger, finding Bowen’s head without any defensive challenge. Bowen, left unmarked, skillfully directed the ball into the bottom corner past the stranded Flekken, securing his landmark hat-trick in the 63rd minute.
Despite the setback, Brentford showed resilience and nearly produced an immediate response in the 66th minute. Onyeka’s near-post volley was met with a fine save from Alphonse Areola. Just moments later, West Ham extended their lead in sensational fashion.
After Brentford cleared another Kudus delivery, the ball fell to Emerson 25 yards out. With one touch to set himself, the left-back unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner.
Although Wissa managed to score a delicate curling shot into the bottom corner in the 82nd minute, not all West Ham fans could relax in the final moments. The visitors were granted seven minutes of additional time to mount a comeback, but their efforts fell short. Areola’s tremendous save from Ivan Toney’s close-range header was crucial as West Ham secured the victory, moving up two places to eighth in the table. Meanwhile, Brentford remains in 16th place, just five points clear of the relegation zone after Everton’s deduction was reduced to six.
West Ham will hit the road again on Saturday, facing Everton at 3 pm, while Brentford will host Chelsea in a West London derby at the same time.
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