West Ham's struggles continue as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium on Tuesday night, a result that did little to ease their relegation worries. In a game filled with drama, including three penalties, the Hammers twice relinquished the lead, failing to secure the much-needed victory in their fight to remain in the Premier League. The draw extends West Ham's winless run to eight games.
The first half was nothing short of chaotic. West Ham took the lead in the 10th minute through Jarrod Bowen, who latched onto a through ball from Lucas Paquetá and finished with a low shot past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Brighton responded with a penalty goal from Danny Welbeck in the 32nd minute after Max Kilman's foul on Yankuba Minteh. Just minutes later, Brighton were awarded another penalty when Paquetá was adjudged to have committed a rugby tackle on Lewis Dunk. Welbeck stepped up again but his Panenka attempt struck the crossbar. West Ham then received a penalty of their own when Dunk blocked Callum Wilson's shot with his hand, and Paquetá converted to put the Hammers ahead again.
Brighton equalized in the 61st minute when Joel Veltman tapped in from close range after West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola failed to deal with a corner from Ferdi Kadıoğlu. Brighton thought they should have had a third penalty when Kaoru Mitoma was seemingly fouled by Bowen, but VAR did not award it. Both sides had chances to win the game, with Verbruggen denying Bowen and Areola making saves from Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.
The result leaves West Ham precariously close to the relegation zone, five points adrift of safety. The team has only managed two home wins this season and has lost their last six London derbies. With pressure mounting, fans have been protesting against club owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is under scrutiny, with some questioning his tactics and team selection. The January transfer window is crucial for West Ham, but their ability to make signings is limited by Premier League financial rules. The club may need to sell players before bringing in reinforcements.
Brighton, meanwhile, also remain without a win in six games. While they are in a more comfortable position than West Ham, they will be disappointed not to have taken all three points. The Seagulls have struggled for consistency recently, picking up just two points from their last five games.
The draw means both West Ham and Brighton have failed to register a single win in December. With West Ham's next game at home against Nottingham Forest, a victory is vital to boost their chances of survival.
