West Ham Pegged Back Twice in Chaotic 2-2 Draw with Brighton
West Ham Pegged Back Twice in Chaotic 2-2 Draw with Brighton
West Ham United’s winless streak stretched to eight matches as they were twice pegged back by Brighton in a frantic 2-2 draw at London Stadium — a game dominated by three first-half penalties, missed chances, and defensive lapses.
Three First-Half Penalties in a Premier League Classic
This was only the second time in Premier League history that three penalties were awarded in the first half of a match. The drama began early, with Jarrod Bowen giving West Ham a 10th-minute lead against the run of play, slotting home after a superb through-ball from Lucas Paqueta.
Brighton responded with a penalty in the 30th minute, Danny Welbeck converting after Max Kilman tripped Yankuba Minteh. Just minutes later, Brighton were awarded a second spot-kick — this time after Paqueta rugby-tackled Lewis Dunk in the box. However, Welbeck smashed his effort against the crossbar, missing the chance to give his side the lead.
The first half drama wasn’t over. A VAR review handed West Ham a penalty in stoppage time when Dunk blocked Callum Wilson’s shot with his arm, and Paqueta atoned for his earlier error by calmly converting, making it 2-1 to the Hammers at halftime.
Veltman Equalises as Chaos Continues
Brighton struck back again early in the second half. Alphonse Areola failed to deal with a corner, palming the ball into the path of Joel Veltman, who tapped in the equaliser.
Both teams had chances to win the game, with Bowen, Mitoma, and Rutter all denied. A curling effort from Kaoru Mitoma in the dying minutes looked destined to snatch the win, but Areola produced a spectacular save to ensure the points were shared.
West Ham Analysis: Encouraging Attack, Costly Mistakes
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be frustrated again, particularly after conceding a late goal to Fulham just three days earlier. Despite some positives — including Bowen’s milestone 101st goal contribution for the club and a promising display from youngster Ollie Scarles — the Hammers’ persistent defensive lapses proved costly once more.
“We need to cut out these errors or we’ll pay the price,” Nuno stated post-match.
With relegation rivals Nottingham Forest losing, this was a missed opportunity to close the gap on safety.
Brighton Analysis: Bench Impact, but Winless Streak Grows
For Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton, the draw extended their winless run to six Premier League games, although the performance of substitutes Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter gave fans hope.
However, Brighton continue to struggle with conceding early goals, having now let in 15 in the first half this season — the third-worst record in the division.
“We’re creating chances but can’t keep starting on the back foot,” said Hurzeler.
Brighton have now failed to win a Premier League match in December two years in a row, despite a strong November campaign.
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