Ahead of West Ham United’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can say they have achieved something their Premier League bogey team have not this season.
A month after Manchester United produced one of the few high-points of the Ruben Amorim era, a Bryan Mbeumo-inspired 4-2 victory over the Seagulls, West Ham United walked into Old Trafford and out again without a loss against their name.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fought back to claim an invaluable point at a stadium where they have triumphed only once since Carlos Tevez saved Alan Curbishley and co from relegation 18 years previously.
A revitalised Jarrod Bowen helped set up Soungoutou Magassa’s first goal in Premier League football.
That 83rd minute equaliser means Hammers have now lost only top-flight game since going down 2-1 at Leeds five matches ago. Eight points from a possible 15.
So while their record against Brighton is pretty miserable – and that is putting it kindly, one win in 16 meetings since the Seagulls were promoted in 2017 – West Ham can go to the Amex with a renewed sense of optimism and confidence.
Especially with Lucas Paqueta back, Crysencio Summerville in contention, Mateus Fernandes flying, Jarrod Bowen creeping back into form, and an evergreen Callum Wilson leading the line.
Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek celebrate Soungoutou Magassa's goal during Manchester United v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Fabian Hurzeler wary as West Ham United welcome Lucas Paqueta back for Brighton
Lucas Paqueta will be available again after missing that Man United clash through suspension. Summerville may be back in Nuno’s squad following a three-game injury absence.
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The speed and directness of captain Jarrod Bowen caused Ruben Amorim’s Man United many a problem, meanwhile, and it seems only a matter of time before he puts a now-eight-game barren run behind him.
Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler is wary of Wilson’s goal-poaching talents as well. The veteran marksman has scored a respectable five goals in 11 Premier League matches against the Seagulls.
How are you feeling ahead of West Ham’s Brighton trip? What are your pre-match predictions?
West Ham United's Tomas Soucek celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 1, 2021 in London, England.
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“Every team has its quality. Every team has individual quality. Especially West Ham with their attacking, their midfield options. They can be a big danger. I think Bowen, Fernandes, Paqueta when he comes back, Wilson…
“They all have the quality to score a goal and create something out of nothing.”
Hurzeler praises Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of Amex clash
Hurzeler saw West Ham succeed where his side failed, keeping Manchester United’s dangerous frontline at arms’ length while posing a serious threat on the counter.
“Especially the teams of Nuno, they are very disciplined. They know how to defend, how to win games,” says the German, 19 years his opposite number’s junior.
“So we have to keep pushing. We have to push to our limits and our stamina. We have to understand that small margins will make the difference. It doesn’t matter whether it’s throw-ins or set-pieces; these are all things that can change the game.
“We have to be aware of that. And then, we have to go into the game with the right mindset. Old Trafford is not an easy place to go and take something. Definitely, they can be happy.”
Nuno delighted with Freddie Potts, Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa trio
While Magassa announced himself in style and Freddie Potts channelled his inner-Billy Bonds, this was another eye-catching display from Portugal Under-21 captain Mateus Fernandes.
“Our young midfielders are giving us energy,” said Nuno, delighted with a baby-faced triumvirate in which Potts is the elder statesman at the age of just 22.
What changes would you make to our West Ham and Brighton combined XI?
West Ham vs Brighton combined XI
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“They are very young, all of them. Very, very young. I think they are growing together. They are slowly understanding themselves.
“I think this is what makes a good midfield. It’s not individual. You cannot put together two players and expect that they will click immediately. I think they are slowly progressing in knowledge. It’s [about] trying to find the right balance among the pieces in the midfield.
“I think we did what created a good midfield.”
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