West Ham analysis: Will Hammers use FA Cup win to kick-on in league? West Ham’s FA Cup victory over Brentford on Monday has sparked speculation about whether the club can harness this momentum to strengthen its Premier League survival bid. With a crucial home fixture against Manchester City looming, the Hammers made seven tactical adjustments to their lineup, yet it was a familiar and reliable figure who played a pivotal role in securing the win. Jarrod Bowen, a key player for the club over his six-year tenure, has been instrumental in recent matches and will need to deliver consistently if West Ham are to avoid relegation. Currently sitting 18th in the league, level on 28 points with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, West Ham face nine remaining league games to secure their Premier League status. The recent FA Cup win, following a vital 2-1 victory at Fulham last week, has provided a much-needed confidence boost. This positive trajectory contrasts with their struggles against top-tier teams, such as the 5-1 home defeat by Chelsea in August and the 3-0 loss to Wolves in January. However, the Hammers’ campaign, which began under Graham Potter’s management, could still culminate in a historic FA Cup run. A potential semi-final appearance at Wembley would mark a significant milestone for the club, which last reached the final in 1980. To achieve this, West Ham must first overcome Leeds United in the sixth-round tie. A victory would set up a dramatic showdown at the national stadium, offering a chance to rewrite their recent history in the competition. As the season progresses, the focus remains on balancing domestic challenges with the pursuit of silverware in the FA Cup, a task that will require resilience and tactical precision from the Hammers.#fa_cup #west_ham #jarrod_bowen #graham_potter #leeds_united
Brentford Boss Defends Dango Ouattara After Missed Penalty in FA Cup Clash Brentford manager Keith Andrews publicly supported Dango Ouattara after the Burkina Faso forward missed a crucial Panenka penalty in a tense FA Cup fifth-round clash against West Ham United. The miss, which saw Ouattara’s dinked effort easily saved by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, led to a 5-3 shootout loss for the Bees, extending their wait for a first FA Cup quarterfinal since 1989. Andrews defended Ouattara’s decision to attempt the unconventional Panenka kick, calling it a courageous move in a high-pressure situation. “It takes unbelievable courage on a stage like that to take a penalty,” Andrews said. “I think the easiest thing for a footballer to do is not take a penalty.” The manager also criticized the broader culture of ridiculing players who miss penalties, particularly those who have been “persecuted” for failing from 12 yards in major tournaments. The match itself was a dramatic affair, with both teams trading goals in a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes. West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen and Brentford top scorer Igor Thiago each scored twice, showcasing the attacking flair of both sides. However, the decisive moment came in the penalty shootout, where Ouattara was the only player from either team to miss. Andrews emphasized that Ouattara’s attempt was a calculated risk, noting that the forward had practiced the technique extensively. “If it goes in, everyone’s raving about him,” Andrews said. “But even if it doesn’t, he’ll get the absolute support he needs from myself and everybody attached to it.” The incident sparked discussions about the pressure placed on players during penalty kicks, with Andrews highlighting the unfair treatment of athletes who fail in such moments.#west_ham_united #brentford_manager #dango_ouattara #alphonse_areola #jarrod_bowen
