Premier League 2025-26: Brentford beat relegation-threatened West Ham United to boost European hopes

Igor Thiago scored his 22nd Premier League goal as Brentford beat West Ham United 3-0 to boost hopes of qualifying for Europe and undermine West Ham’s survival hopes on Saturday.

Brazilian forward Thiago converted from the penalty spot early in the second half to double the lead given to the hosts after 15 minutes through an own goal from Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The unlucky West Ham hit the woodwork three times and also had an equalizer disallowed for offside by VAR.

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Mikkel Damsgaard’s cool finish secured victory for Brentford late on, moving them into sixth place with 51 points.

West Ham remain in 17th position, two points above Tottenham Hotspur, who could move it out of the relegation zone if it wins at Aston Villa on Sunday.

Sunderland’s Ballard was sent off for pulling Arokodare’s hair in the Wolves draw

Daniel Ballard became the second defender to be sent off for leading Wolverhampton Wanderers ⁠Tolu Arokodare in the Premier League this season as Sunderland ‌spilled a lead in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Everton’s Michael Keane was sent off for the same offense in January and given a three-match ban for violent conduct.

Ballard held a handful of Arokodare’s hair and pulled it as they moved back to receive a high ball, until the Nigerian went down and grabbed his head. Referee Paul Tierney sent off Ballard after watching the incident on the field monitor.

Sunderland, which had taken the lead thanks to an early goal from Nordi Mukiele, was reduced to 10 men in the 24th minute. Already relegated Wolves ended a three-match goalless run through Hugo Bueno in the 54th minute to secure their first point since March.

Published on May 2, 2026