Bowen nets hat-trick as West Ham end poor run with 4-2 win over Brentford

LONDON : A hat-trick from Jarrod Bowen helped West Ham United to snap a six-match winless run in the Premier League as they secured their first victory of 2024 with a thrilling 4-2 home win over Brentford on Monday.

David Moyes' side moved up to eighth with 39 points, level with seventh-placed Brighton and five adrift of sixth-placed Manchester United. Brentford remain 16th with 25 points, five clear of the relegation zone.

The hosts grabbed the lead five minutes into the game as Bowen collected Emerson's pass from the left to slam home a fierce low shot before doubling the lead with a half-volley from close range two minutes later.

Neal Maupay pulled one back for the visitors in the 13th minute following a pass from Keane Lewis-Potter, sliding through the centre of the box to lob the ball over compatriot keeper Alphonse Areola.

Bowen capitalised on Brentford's sloppy defending to complete his hat-trick with a header in the edge of the six-yard box in the 63rd minute, and Emerson made it 4-1 with a superb long-range shot into the top right corner in the 69th minute.

Yoane Wissa scored eight minutes from time for Brentford, who came close to a stoppage time goal but fell short as they fell to their fifth defeat in their last six games.