West Ham

Happy Returns and Early Goals: West Ham's Weekend of Surprises!

From Pride celebrations to a 1-0 defeat, West Ham's weekend had it all! Catch the highlights from the game against Brentford where early goals and inclusion took the spotlight!

This weekend, West Ham United found themselves in the spotlight for two very different reasons. On one hand, the club celebrated the tenth birthday of the Pride Of Irons, a dedicated group that has been advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the West Ham community. Their work has encouraged the Club to be champions of visibility and inclusion, making it a significant moment for many fans and players alike. After a decade of progress, it’s wonderful to see such efforts being recognised, reminding us all that football truly belongs to everyone, no matter who you love!

On the pitch, however, it was a different story as West Ham faced Brentford on Saturday afternoon in a tense Premier League clash. The joy of celebrating inclusion was soon overshadowed by the cold, hard reality of defeat as Kevin Schade smashed in an early goal just four minutes into the match. Despite being on home turf at the London Stadium, the Hammers struggled to find their rhythm, and Brentford held on to secure a 1-0 victory. Fans were left wondering how they could connect the emotions of celebration on the stands with the disappointment echoing from the field.

West Ham's head coach Graham Potter opted for a tactical shakeup, making three changes to the starting lineup before the match. Paquetá was back, and there was hope that his return could spark a revival in the team’s fortunes. Unfortunately, that hope was short-lived as West Ham conceded early and couldn't capitalize on further opportunities. The game quickly became a test of resilience for the Hammers, who are still chasing that much-needed win to lift their spirits in the league.

As we take a step back from the pitch, it’s worth noting that this defeat marked an increase in West Ham’s winless streak, leaving fans yearning for better days ahead. Indeed, with Brentford managing to see off the Hammers in a one-sided bout, it’s clear that the team will need to refocus their efforts and maybe channel that spirit of inclusion and fighting forward from their Pride celebration into their future games. With clubs all around the league now stepping up their games to assert dominance, hopefully, West Ham can rally and find that winning formula!

Did you know that the Pride of Irons group was formed back in 2013? It started with a handful of fans and has grown into a collective that actively participates in local Pride events and raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in football! Also, while West Ham is currently struggling in the Premier League, they once won the FA Cup in 1980, a historic moment that fans still celebrate today! Can the Hammers bounce back and bring some of that cup-winning spirit back to the league? Only time will tell!