West Ham United closed out with a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Brentford. Hammers captain Declan Rice had hit the woodwork for the home side in the opening exchanges while Jarrod Bowen and Craig Dawson each went close on a frustrating night in front of goal for the home side.
It was almost the perfect start under the lights at London Stadium as Rice, urged on by the home support, unleashed a spectacular strike from distance after just five minutes. Brentford goalkeeper David Raya could only watch on as the ball clipped the post. Bowen was involved as the Irons then went close twice again in quick succession. First, the forward provided the corner from which Dawson narrowly headed wide, before himself firing in an effort on the turn that had to be blocked away.
Emerson would test the Spanish shot-stopper from a narrow angle with ten minutes left of the first half, but it would be the visitors who would strike again before half time. In need of a quick restart, West Ham pressed early in the second half and saw Aaron Cresswell fire over from a set-piece, before Bowen collected the ball and shot in a dangerous area. His effort, however, was tame and claimed by Raya.
The introduction of Michail Antonio for Emerson just after the hour gave the Irons more attacking impetus, with Dawson trying his luck with a shot from distance. Striker Scamacca would test Raya with a rocket from 25 yards but, but with the strike straight at the shot-stopper, he was able to palm away, before Dawson forced another save with a looping header.
Despite the possession and the pressure in the second half, the Hammers were unable to mount the needed comeback, with Brentford taking all three points back to west London.
