Premier League: Brighton hold West Ham to a 0-0 draw
West Ham United 0 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion
This match marked the first occasion in 24 league matches that Brighton didn't concede a goal, putting an end to a record-setting streak for the club.
For West Ham, they would have been hoping to build on their wins over Manchester United and Arsenal but will ultimately be delighted with their points return over the Christmas and New Year period.
Brighton enjoyed more possession and created better chances in what was largely a dull game to kick off 2024 for both teams at London Stadium.
The first half lacked quality and opportunities, with West Ham coming closest to scoring as Jason Steele saved James Ward-Prowse's powerful volley with his legs.
Jack Hinshelwood and Pascal Gross of Brighton were both thwarted by Alphonse Areola, the home keeper, with point-blank stops.
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Cool as you like 🧊 pic.twitter.com/PSz55x9EaN
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 3, 2024
Even in the second half, Brighton maintained dominance in possession, and Areola had to make a sharp save to deny Pervis Estupinan's low shot on the 55th minute. Joao Pedro's attempt after a skillful run went straight into Areola's hands.
Tomas Soucek missed West Ham's clearest second-half chance, poking wide from six yards, while Jakub Moder squandered a close-range opportunity for Brighton in the final minutes.
Despite having 68% possession and 22 shots compared to West Ham's six, Brighton only managed to secure a point. David Moyes admitted his team was somewhat fortunate, given their defensive record with four consecutive clean sheets.
De Zerbi downplayed concerns about Brighton's inability to keep clean sheets, attributing it more to media attention than his own worry. He expressed satisfaction with his team's defense.
The match was the first for both sides in 2024 and the final Premier League fixture of the busy festive period, likely contributing to the low tempo and lack of opportunities.
West Ham, missing the injured Lucas Paqueta and anticipating the absence of Mohammed Kudus on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ghana, couldn't break through Brighton's defense. Vladimir Coufal, amid contract disputes, was also absent from the matchday squad.
Both teams, firmly in the race for European qualification, have the potential to meet in the latter stages of the Europa League after winning their respective groups.
What the fans are saying
A West Ham fan called Keving gave his thoughts: "The great Johan Cruyff said that quality without results is pointless: results without quality are boring. This sums up West Ham at times and highlights Moyes's dilemma. However, it's the end of a really tough Christmas period, our best two players missing, and others. We're in 6th place, still in Europe, and managed a home draw with one of the best teams in the league."
Thank you for your support tonight! 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/3z0HAQXw6Q
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 2, 2024
Liam, a Brighton fan, told us: "We made the opportunities to snatch the victory, but unfortunately, we fell short in the final third. Despite that, there are loads of good things to focus on. We were aiming for all three points, ended up with just one. In 2024, we have the opportunity to build on our success from 2023."
