By Daniel Mcinally
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Goals from Glenn Murray and Jose Izquerdo were crucial in seeing a spirited Brighton side take all three points at London Stadium. The Seagulls' two first half goals were enough to left the hosts with work to do in the second half, before Glenn Murrays second half penalty ended any hopes of a Hammers comeback. Â
The game started evenly with neither team troubling their respective keepers. However after ten minutes, Pascal Groß whipped in a free kick which Glenn Murray nodded passed Joe Hart. West Ham then dominated the remainder of the first half, but were denied by some spirated Brighton defending.
It wasn’t until the end of the first half that both teams went really showed their attacking intent. Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez’s shot on the 45-minute mark brought the loudest cheer from the West Ham faithful, as his low drive went just past Ryan’s goal. Brighton added a second with virtually the last kick of the first half. As West Ham pushed for the leveller, Brighton punished them. Joe Hart could only get a hand on Jose Izquerdo’s 25 yard strike, but it wasn’t enough as the Columbian's shot flew past the England international.
The second half was a similar pattern to that of the first. West Ham were good in periods of the second half but ultimately struggled to break down a rear-guard defence of Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk. The best chance for the Hammers came on the 63rd minute mark when a Manuel Lanzini free kick was deflected just wide. Brighton ended any hopes of a West Ham comeback when Glenn Murray was brought down in the box. The striker who doubled his tally as he calmly slotted past Hart.
West Ham now have an opportunity to get back on track against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on wednesday night. The Hammers will return to London Stadium on Saturday 4 November, where they will play Liverpool.Â
