Despite Manchester United’s loss against Crystal Palace, West Ham were unable to secure a Europa League spot with a 3-1 defeat at Brighton.
WATCH NOW Brighton Hove Albion vs West Ham United GOALS
To finish sixth, the Hammers needed to win and hope United didn’t, but despite winning 1-0,
David Moyes‘ team will have to settle for the Europa Conference League after failing to
complete their part.
Michail Antonio put West Ham ahead before the break with a magnificent strike into the top
corner, but Brighton equalized just five minutes later through defender Joel Veltman.
Then, after Pascal Gross matched Antonio’s goal with a spectacular attempt that sailed high
into the net, Danny Welbeck’s injury-time header sealed the win and gave Brighton their
best-ever Premier League finish.
The hosts got off to a strong start, controlling 69 percent of possession in the first 15
minutes and forcing Lukasz Fabianski into a great save down to his left.
Birghton”” vs West Ham
West Ham gradually gained control of the game, finally having more possession but unable
to worry the Brighton goal until Antonio scored a fantastic goal from nothing.
Before Antonio got the better of Lewis Dunk on the edge of the Brighton area and blasted a
beautiful left-footed drive into the top corner, the away fans had only just completed
cheering Crystal Palace going ahead against Manchester United.
Brighton, on the other hand, struck back barely five minutes into the second half,
capitalizing on the visitors’ poor start once again. Solly March sent a cross into the West
Ham area, teeing up Veltman, whose low drive slipped under Fabianski’s body.
After some great build-up play between Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister, the hosts had a
chance to take the lead when Welbeck shot wide from a tight angle.
West Ham maintained their composure but failed to score, with Mark Noble making his final
appearance for the club nine minutes from time. Gross swiveled on the edge of the area and
unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner to put Brighton ahead.
Only Norwich (12) had scored fewer goals at home than Brighton, but Welbeck ensured they
did not set a new club record by heading in from a corner during injury time.
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