Quickfire Bryan Mbeumo goal not enough as Brentford draw with West Ham
By Andy Sims, PA
Brentford raced into the Premier League record books but still only had a point to show for it after a 1-1 draw with West Ham.
The Bees went ahead after only 37 seconds through Bryan Mbeumo to become the first team to score in the first minute of three consecutive matches.
But, just like in the previous two games, they were unable to hold on to their early lead and Tomas Soucek grabbed a second-half equaliser for the Hammers.
Thomas Frank’s side had scored within 23 seconds at both Manchester City and Tottenham, so West Ham could hardly say they had not been warned.
But the visitors could only hold out for 14 seconds longer before Brentford, from their own kick-off, found the net.
Kevin Schade collected the ball on the right of the Hammers’ penalty area and lifted it into the centre.
Jean-Clair Todibo’s weak headed clearance was pounced upon by Fabio Carvalho, who nodded it back towards Mbeumo.
The ball was slightly behind the striker but he still managed to produce a superb, controlled volley with his left foot into the top corner.
Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui had barely taken his seat, although in fairness he had spent a couple of days on crutches after injuring himself on the touchline during the midweek Carabao Cup capitulation at Liverpool.
A miserable week for the Spaniard almost got worse, moments after Michail Antonio rolled a shot narrowly wide of the Brentford goal.
The Bees quickly switched play to the other end and Mikkel Damsgaard curled in a deep cross from the right which found Mbeumo, but his diving header flew just over the crossbar.
Brentford defender Sepp van den Berg then sent another presentable opportunity too high as the first half drew to a close.
Mohammed Kudus had been West Ham’s most eye-catching attacker in the opening 45 minutes so it was a surprise to see him replaced, along with Emerson Palmieri, for Konstantinos Mavropanos and Carlos Soler.
But a change of formation brought a change of fortune when Soucek hauled the visitors level nine minutes into the second half.
The Czech midfielder burst into the penalty area, played a one-two with Jarrod Bowen and then swept the loose ball home after Brentford failed to clear.
The Bees had lost against both City and Spurs despite their lightning fast starts, so they were relieved to avoid an unwanted treble when a late effort from Hammers sub Crysencio Summerville was deflected wide.
West Ham, in desperate need of a pick-me-up after their recent travails, were also breathing a sigh of relief when Ethan Pinnock fell to the ground after clashing with Todibo and referee Simon Hooper waved away Brentford’s penalty appeals,