Despite some discontent among West Ham supporters, Moyes has navigated the team to success in the Europa Conference League. The victory over Brentford, buoyed by lax defending from the opposition, marks a positive start for Moyes and his side.
After a tackle on Brentford’s Frank Onyeka in midfield went unpunished, Lucas Paqueta found James Ward-Prowse, who then found Emerson.
The ball by the Italian full-back was controlled by Bowen with his right foot and then smashed home with his left – it was a wonderful quick-fire combination.
Within the next two minutes, Dani Dyer’s other half doubled his tally as Brentford were punished for conceding possession.
Czech Vladimir Coufal supplied the delivery from the right and Bowen slotted home with an accomplished left-footed finish.
Bees forward Neal Maupay ensured West Ham would not celebrate a clean sheet when he pulled a goal back, latching on to an excellent through-ball by Keane Lewis-Potter.
Maupay is known for being a wind-up merchant and he was at it again, clashing with Hammers assistant coach Kevin Nolan before the start of the second half.
It was claimed on TV that Maupay had been outside the referee’s room and Nolan took exception to that.
At least Maupay offered more fight than teammate Ivan Toney, who might be on his way back into the professional game after his long betting ban, but was a peripheral figure.
On a memorable night for West Ham, Bowen emerged as the hero of the hour, capping off his impressive performance with a well-placed header into the net in the 63rd minute. The goal was set up by Kudus, who delivered a pinpoint cross that Bowen met with precision from six yards out.
The Hammers’ spirits were lifted even higher six minutes later when Emerson produced one of the finest goals of the season, striking a left-footed shot from long-range that sailed past the helpless goalkeeper in the Brentford net.
Although Brentford tried to fight back, they were left frustrated by the outstanding saves of West Ham’s goalkeeper, Areola, who denied Onyeka and Toney with some incredible reflexes. Brentford did manage to score a late goal through Wissa, which was initially checked by VAR for offside before being allowed to stand.
However, the late goal couldn’t change the outcome of the match, which saw Brentford suffer their fifth defeat in six matches, leaving them in a precarious position in the relegation zone, especially after Everton’s recent points boost.