Brighton & Hove Albion showcased a resolute defensive performance at London Stadium, holding West Ham United to a goalless draw and earning their first Premier League clean sheet of the season. Despite Brighton’s dominance in possession and creating more chances, they struggled to breach the solid West Ham defense, which has now kept four consecutive clean sheets. Manager Roberto de Zerbi expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall performance, highlighting their understanding of the game plan and creating eight clear goal-scoring opportunities.
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Keeper Areola Shines for West Ham
In a match where both sides struggled to find the back of the net, West Ham’s goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola, played a crucial role in securing a point for his team. Areola made key saves, denying Jack Hinshelwood and Pascal Gross, and showcased exceptional reflexes throughout the game. West Ham manager David Moyes acknowledged his team’s luck, stating they “rode their luck a wee bit,” but praised the overall defensive effort during the festive period.
The Battle for European Qualification
The draw sees Brighton move into seventh place, surpassing Manchester United, while West Ham maintains their sixth position, three points ahead. Both teams remain in contention for European qualification, and the prospect of a meeting in the latter stages of the Europa League looms large, given their successful group stage performances.
Players Speak: Hinshelwood and Moyes Reflect on the Match
Post-match, Brighton’s young talent, Jack Hinshelwood, emphasized the team’s solid defensive display and expressed satisfaction with the overall performance. On the other side, David Moyes acknowledged Brighton’s superiority in the game and credited his team’s compactness and organization, especially in the absence of key players.
Missing Pieces and Stormy Conditions
The match unfolded in challenging conditions brought about by Storm Henk, contributing to a low-tempo affair. West Ham missed the presence of Lucas Paqueta and faced the absence of Mohammed Kudus, who is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ghana. Vladimir Coufal’s absence fueled speculation about his future at the club amid contract disputes.
Billy Gilmour Named Player of the Match
In a game characterized by defensive prowess, Billy Gilmour stood out as the Player of the Match with an impressive average rating of 7.45. The young midfielder played a crucial role in Brighton’s midfield, contributing to their defensive solidity and controlling the tempo of the game.
Looking Ahead to 2024
As both teams reflect on the final Premier League fixture of the festive period, they now turn their attention to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. With the potential for European qualification and a shared journey in the Europa League, the new year promises excitement for both Brighton and West Ham.
A Glimpse into the Numbers
Player Ratings
West Ham: Areola 8; Johnson 7, Mavropanos 6, Ogbonna 6, Emerson 7; Álvarez 6, Soucek 6; Benrahma 5, Ward-Prowse 5, Fornals 5; Bowen 7. Subs: Mubama 6
Brighton: Steele 7; Hinshelwood 8, van Hecke 7, Webster 7, Estupiñán 7; Groß 6, Gilmour 7, Milner 7; Buonanotte 6; Welbeck 6, João Pedro 7. Subs: Ferguson 6, Lallana 6, Moder 7.
While this was the first match of 2024 for both sides, it was also the final Premier League fixture of the hectic festive period – which perhaps played a role in the low tempo and lack of opportunities. Both sides remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification, with the potential for a meeting in the latter stages of the Europa League, having won their respective groups to gain automatic passage to the last 16. The new year holds the promise of much more excitement for both Brighton and West Ham.
