West Ham United on Monday advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win against Brentford, who paid the price for Dango Ouattara’s spot-kick blunder.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side twice blew the lead as Jarrod Bowen’s double was canceled out by an Igor Thiago brace to force extra-time in the 2-2 draw at the London Stadium, but in the shoot-out, Brentford winger Ouattara attempted a chipped Panenka penalty, but his woeful effort was straight at West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
It was an awful mistake by the Burkina Faso international and West Ham took full advantage.
Photo: AFP
Bowen, Valentin Castellanos, Callum Wilson, Tomas Soucek and Konstantinos Mavropanos all converted their spot-kicks, ensuring West Ham host Leeds United next month for a place in the semi-finals.
The east London club’s first FA Cup quarter-final for 10 years is welcome respite in a difficult season.
They sit third-from-bottom of the English Premier League, behind Nottingham Forest on goal-difference, with nine games to save themselves from crashing into the Championship.
“The fans deserve this moment of joy for the way they support the team through bad times,” Nuno said. “I’m very proud. The players are delighted because it was a tough one. Brentford is an amazing team, but we contained them and created a lot of chances. The boys are enjoying playing in the London Stadium, the atmosphere is good.”
Seventh in the Premier League and in contention for European qualification, Brentford missed the chance to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1989.
Defending Ouattara’s howler, Brentford head coach Keith Andrews said: “When you miss a penalty it is a tough moment, but it is easier to not take a penalty than take a penalty.”
“We’ve had it in the past when people have been persecuted and ridiculed for missing a penalty on the biggest stage and that’s ridiculous,” he said. “He practices that technique a lot, and will have the utmost support from me and everyone around.”
Haunted by the threat of relegation, Nuno made seven changes to the side that won at Fulham in the league last week as he prioritized their survival bid.
West Ham took the lead in the 19th minute when Mateus Fernandes’ cross to the far post was headed down by Tomas Soucek and Bowen reacted quickest to steer past Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford drew level nine minutes later as Thiago glanced Nathan Collins’ header into the net with his chest, the goal surviving a video assistant referee (VAR) check for a potential handball and offside.
The Irons moved back ahead in the 34th minute when Adama Traore was tripped inside the penalty area by Michael Kayode.
Andy Madley did not give the spot-kick, but VAR official Constantine Hatzidakis told the referee to consult the pitch-side monitor and he changed his mind after watching the incident again.
Unfazed by the lengthy delay, Bowen sent Kelleher the wrong way from the spot.
West Ham missed a host of chances to deliver the knockout blow and Brentford took advantage to equalize in the 81st minute.
Crysencio Summerville conceded the penalty with a push on Kayode and Thiago stepped up to fire home from the spot.
The Brazilian forward has 21 goals in all competitions in his breakthrough campaign as he pushes for a place in his country’s World Cup squad.
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