West Ham United's chronic defensive frailties were laid bare once again as they threw away two leads to draw 2-2 with Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium. The result represents a massive missed opportunity in their fight for Premier League survival.
Bowen Shines But Defensive Chaos Reigns
The Hammers took an early lead through their talismanic captain, Jarrod Bowen. After just ten minutes, Brighton failed to clear a long ball from goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, allowing Lucas Paqueta to slip in Bowen, who finished with typical composure. It was a moment of quality that highlighted why Bowen remains West Ham's primary hope.
However, West Ham's defence proceeded to implode in a three-minute first-half spell. First, Max Kilman rashly dived in on Yankuba Minteh to concede a penalty, which Danny Welbeck converted. Moments later, Lucas Paqueta inexplicably rugby-tackled Lewis Dunk in the box, gifting Brighton a second spot-kick. Welbeck chipped his effort onto the crossbar, sparing Paqueta's blushes.
Paqueta partially redeemed himself just before half-time, calmly rolling in a penalty of his own after a VAR check for handball against Dunk. But the pattern of costly individual errors was already set.
Experience Tells as Brighton Fight Back
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, seeking to end a five-game winless run, turned to experience. While 39-year-old James Milner struggled, fellow veteran Joel Veltman proved decisive. On the hour mark, Areola flapped at a corner and the ball fell to the unmarked Veltman for a simple tap-in from two yards out.
Areola later made saves from Ferdi Kadioglu and Kaoru Mitoma, but West Ham's miserable home record against Brighton continues. They have now failed to beat the Seagulls in nine Premier League meetings at the London Stadium.
Paqueta Embodies West Ham's Frustration
The performance of Lucas Paqueta perfectly encapsulated West Ham's Jekyll and Hyde nature. The Brazilian was the creative spark for Bowen's opener and showed immense nerve to score his penalty. Yet, his senseless foul to concede a penalty and his general liability in possession, which sparked a late Brighton counter-attack, highlighted why he is such a frustrating figure for fans.
With Nottingham Forest losing, a victory would have closed the gap to just two points. Instead, West Ham remain perilously placed, with a crucial match against Sean Dyche's Everton next at the London Stadium. The January transfer window cannot come soon enough for manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who is desperate to bolster a defence with an insatiable appetite for self-destruction.
Match Facts:
- West Ham Scorers: Bowen (10'), Paqueta (45' pen).
- Brighton Scorers: Welbeck (32' pen), Veltman (61').
- Key Stat: West Ham have not beaten Brighton at home in the Premier League in nine attempts.
- Man of the Match: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham).
