When Tomas Soucek‘s effort grazed the put up within the closing levels of West Ham United‘s defeat at Brentford on Saturday afternoon, their supporters might’ve been forgiven for exchanging exasperated seems to be.
The 3-0 scoreline at Gtech Community Stadium could level to a snug victory for Keith Andrews‘ Europe-chasing aspect, but it surely tells solely half the story.
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Victory would have lifted West Ham 5 factors away from the underside three, however as a substitute they’ve left the door ajar for Tottenham to leapfrog them with victory at Aston Villa on Sunday evening.
The Hammers presently stay two factors above Spurs, however Roberto de Zerbi’s aspect have a sport in hand and are 9 targets more healthy when it comes to aim distinction.
“We had chances, we hit the post twice, we hit the bar and we hit the post again,” captain Jarrod Bowen informed Sky Sports. “It’s really disappointing. We had good opportunities.
“On one other day we’d have gotten the win. We have accomplished quite a lot of good issues.”
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But if Tottenham win at Villa Park, it might go away them within the driving seat – simply – to keep away from the drop.
It would additionally go away West Ham hoping for a consequence in opposition to title-chasing Arsenal, who’re six factors clear on the high of the desk and have plundered 11 targets on their earlier two league visits to London Stadium.
After dealing with Aston Villa, Tottenham’s subsequent sport is at house to a Leeds United aspect who’ve misplaced their previous 5 league conferences in opposition to the north London membership.
So though the shape e book usually means little because the battle for survival reaches its climax, Brentford’s win might show pivotal for West Ham and Spurs.
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In an interview on West Ham United’s website, Nuno Espirito Santo urged his gamers to reply in opposition to Arsenal and referred to as on the followers to play their half.
“Let’s realise that how we react from a foul day goes to maintain us alive on this [relegation] combat,” the head coach said.
“We have been asking our followers for his or her help and our followers are giving again. They are disillusioned with us [after this result], however we want them greater than ever.”