A hint of Shakespearean drama was in the bitter night air in West London after the news that Brentford had signed Romeo Beckham on loan from Inter Miami to play in their B team until the end of the season.
But the FA Cup third round tie against West Ham turned into a revenger’s tragedy for the home team when Said Benrahma, a former Bees favourite, scored the winner for the visitors 11 minutes from time.
Benrahma’s superb strike from 25 yards at the Gtech Community Stadium rescued the match from an attritional stalemate and lifted a little more pressure off West Ham boss David Moyes, who has watched his side slip further and further towards the Premier League relegation zone until they are now separated from it only by goal difference. This was their first domestic victory in nine matches.
Said Benrahma scored the only goal of the game as West Ham beat Brentford on Saturday
It came from an impressive 30-yard strike that flew past Bees keeper Thomas Strakosha
The win should boost the Hammers’ confidence after a poor run of Premier League results
This victory might not do anything to affect their league position but it was another boost to their confidence after last week’s draw with Leeds United and will send them into crucial league matches with Wolves and Everton in better spirits.
Cup victories often act as catalysts for improvements in league form and Moyes and West Ham will be desperately hoping this result has the same effect.
Moyes’s side have not won a top-flight game since October and the manager needed this victory to stop the speculation about his future reaching fever pitch ahead of the Wolves game at the weekend. Those who point to everything he has achieved at the club and all the progress he has made rebuilding the side will have been encouraged by the grit his team showed to eke out this win.
Algeria international Benrahma did not celebrate the goal against his former club
West Ham only made four changes from the team that drew 2-2 with Leeds, a sign that Moyes felt it was more important to build some confidence in his side than rest players for more important tests ahead. Brentford, who do not have relegation worries to contend with, made seven changes from the starting eleven that beat Liverpool 3-1 here last Monday.
After a turgid opening dominated by harmless possession and an aversion to attempts on goal, Brentford forged the first chance of the game after a quarter of an hour. Keane Lewis-Potter escaped down the right touchline and swivelled to hit a first time pass into the path of Yoane Wissa but when Wissa clipped it goalwards, it was kept out by a good low save from Lukasz Fabianski.
The heavens opened soon after that and the rain fell in sheets and squalls and angry swirls. It did not help the quality of the football but Lucas Paqueta was a little unfortunate not to win a penalty midway through the half when he kept the ball in play against the odds and was then hauled down as he turned. The linesman flagged for a goal kick, though, and his decision was not overruled.
David Moyes’ side were poor in the first half but improved dramatically after the break
If the first half was low on excitement, the second opened with a gilt-edged chance for the visitors. Emerson ran on to a through ball down the left and crossed into the box where both Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen converged on it. Both were unmarked, six yards out but Soucek got to it first and when he tried to turn his volley past Thomas Strakosha, he could only direct it tamely wide of the post.
West Ham spurned another chance soon afterwards when Craig Dawson peeled away at the back post to meet a deep free kick from Rice. It was a clever run and he lost his marker but he had to stretch to meet the ball and he could not direct it past Strakosha. At least Moyes’ side were showing more intent.
There was a huge cheer from the Brentford fans 20 minutes from the end when Kevin Schade, a highly rated forward signed from German side Freiburg, initially on a six-month loan deal that will become permanent for around £21million in the summer, was introduced into the fray. Schade knocked the ball past Dawson with his first touch and went past him as if he wasn’t there. Dawson hauled him down and was booked for it.
Kevin Scade was cheered onto the pitch by Brentford fans in his first appearance for the club
But West Ham had brought on Benrahma at the same time as Brentford had brought Schade off the bench and it was the former Brentford favourite who broke the deadlock. Benrahma, who had moved from Brentford to West Ham on a permanent basis at the start of last season, latched on to the ball near the centre circle after the superb Declan Rice had dispossessed Wissa with a crunching tackle.
Benrahma, whose arrival had been greeted rapturously by the West Ham supporters behind the goal he was now attacking, advanced towards the box and unleashed a fierce drive from 25 yards. The flight of the ball seemed to deceive Strakosha and he stood flat-footed and motionless as the ball whistled past him into the net. Benrahma did not celebrate out of respect for his former team.
Brentford tried to find an equaliser in the time remaining but could not force a chance and West Ham survived to take their place in the fourth round draw.
Re-live Sportsmail’s live blog for Brentford vs West Ham below.
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The ref blows his whistle, and it finishes 4-3!
What a win for Wrexham, and they’re into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
It was a tense final few minutes but has ended as one of the great wins in a tournament that loves a giant killing.
It’s all over in West London!
A well-earned win for the Hammers in the end after a much-improved second half performance.
The game took a while to get going and was painfully slow before the break, but West Ham then began to trouble the Bees, and will take a lot of confidence into the rest of their season.
Brentford struggled after making numerous changes from the side that beat Liverpool on Monday. They had their moments, but never had the energy to really establish themselves.
Meanwhile, Wrexham have seven minutes of injury time to hold on to a famous FA Cup victory at Coventry.
It breaks for Wissa down the left wing as he sprints into the box.
He hits it wildly with a first time effort from a tough angle.
There were better options than that, it had a whiff of frustration about it.
Four minutes of added time at Brentford.
It’s looking like a potentially huge 1-0 win for West Ham as they look to get some confidence back.
Five minutes to go in West London and the Bees are pushing hard.
They needed this aggression earlier in the game.
Brrentford are holding them off well so far.
Well, well well.
The gap is back down to one goal with 15 minutes to play.
Can Wrexham hold on?
Benrahma scores!
A stunning strike from the Algerian forward, as posession changes hands in the Brentford half and he fires home with a wonderfully clean strike from outside the box.
He refuses to celebrate against his former club.
A huge goal in this tie with ten minutes to go, and West Ham have deserved it this half.
It’s 4-2 in Coventry!
What a game we have here.
Viktor Gyokeres bags the hosts’ second with 20 minutes to play.
Is there time for a comeback?
Lovely turn of pace from Brentford’s new signing as he surges down the wing, past Dawson and wins a free kick on the left wing.
There’s not been nearly enough of that from Brentford tonight.
The Bees float the ball around the Hammers box and eventually get a ball onto Lewis-Potter’s head.
There’s no pace on the cross and he can’t get any power on it, as the game remains 0-0.
Feels like something could be on it’s way.
Wrexham are in dreamland!
Paul Mullin adds the fourth and it’s looking like a night to remember for the Welsh side!
He slots home from the penalty spot.
Lovely play from Damsgaard as he wins the ball and surges forward with Wissa who holds it up nicely.
No chance emerges as West Ham get back well, but it’s another good bit of play in a game that is beginning to get going.
Nice cross into Antonio from deep, but it catches him unawares and bounces off his head, a long way over the bar.
Better movement and passing from the Hammers, though.
The Bees pass the ball forward really nicely after a bit of pressure from West Ham.
It ultimately falls apart as a poor touch sees it dribble out for a goal kick.
Johnson whips in a dangerous ball from a free kick on the left wing and Dawson nearly sticks it away.
It’s a really tough chance as he stretches at full length and just gets a touch on it.
Some more aggression forced a corner for the visitors.
Much, much better from Moyes’ men.
The Bees advance down the right and get a decent cross in but it’s well defended by Ogbonna.
Another cross comes in but Fabianski moves earlier and catches it.
A bit more happening in this half already.
Great chance for Soucek!
Great ball to the midfielder in the middle of the box but it’s a poor finish in truth.
He doesn’t catch it well and it flies well wide from close range.
The Hammers’ best chance of the game by a mile, they’ve started this half nicely.
They’re playing again in West London as Brentford kick off.
Let’s hope for a slightly more exciting 45 minutes of football.
The two-goal lead is back!
Tom O’Connor puts Wrexham 3-1 up in what is fast becoming an FA Cup classic.
It comes on the stroke of half time, which the visiting side will take gladly and in high spirits.
It remains goalless at half time at the G-Tech Community Stadium.
In truth, there have been more exciting games of football. Brentford looked lethargic but largely untroubled as they passed the ball around slowly. It was a far cry from their physical, aggressive win over Liverpool on Monday.
The Hammers started poorly but began to look a bit more fluid towards the break, perhaps a sign of things to come?
Wissa produced the best (and possibly sole?) chance of the half when he thudded a shot from close range into Fabianski’s hands.
Seven minuted added on at Coventry.
Bowen wins the visitors’ first corner as his cross is deflected after a nice bit of play.
The corner is dealt with comfortably but West Ham are just starting to play in what has been a slow half.
The West Ham full back comes alive as he sprints down the wing.
It ultimately comes to nothing, but it was one of the Hammers’ better moments this half.
They’ll need more of that to take something from this tie.
It’s 2-1 at Coventry!
Ben Sheaf keeps the tie alive for the 1987 Champions.
A nervy hour of football awaits for Wrexham.
A wide free kick gives Brentford a good chance as the ball is flicked goalwards, but it can only hit the post.
The linesman raises his flag afterwards.
Ben Mee offers a rye smile.
Brentford shift the ball around nicely in the Hammers half put can’t force a decent chance.
Potter shoots from distance but it’s well wide.
Bar Wissa’s saved attempt, there has been little to write home about in this half.
There have been some dangerous crosses coming into the Hammers box.
High balls could be an issue for defenders here on a very windy and wet day.
With some powerful centre forwards on the pitch, things could get interesting.
Lewis-Potter has been lively for the hosts thus far.
The visitors have shown some promising movement but look lost as soon as they start to threaten.
Brentford still look the better side.
It is an extremely wet day and it looks as though the pitch may be suffering.
The National League side are two up at Coventry!
Elliot Lee makes it 2-0 and the upset it looking more and more likely.
Might be time to give Hollywood a call, oh wait…
Best chance so far.
It’s a nice bit of movement to find Potter on the right wing, who fizzes in an excellent cross for Wissa.
He can only force a low save from Fabianski from close range as it rolls out for a corner, but it’s a real chance.
The move appears to have woken the Bees up, as they whip in a couple more dangerous looking crosses.
Wrexham have taken the lead at Coventry!
Sam Dalby heads home to put them 1-0 in front.
Do we have a giant killing on the cards?
COVENTRY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Sam Dalby of Wrexham scores his teams first goal with a header during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Coventry City and Wrexham at The Coventry Building Society Arena on January 07, 2023 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
It looks like Antonio will be the main threat for the Hammers this evening.
He’s had a couple of nice bits of movement in the Bees half and looks like something of a focal point.
Brentford till look in control, though.
Brentford have settled into the game nicely and look good on the ball.
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They’ve yet to really challenge the visitors but have kept possession nicely in the last few minutes.
The Stadium feels a bit flat after the electric atmosphere for Brentford’s game against Liverpool.
West Ham’s midfielder goes down in advanced position but looks OK.
It’s been a slow start, with neither side able to establish control yet.
We’re underway in West London and at Coventry!
Stay tuned for all the latest from both games.
We’re closing in on kick-off at the G-Tech Community Stadium.
It should be a fascinating game for two London clubs enduring very different seasons.
West Ham United's Declan Rice applauds the fans before the Emirates FA Cup third round match at the Gtech Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday January 7, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Brentford. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
The players have taken to the pitch as we approach kick-off in West London.
Declan Rice will be one player looking to put in a statement performance after stalling with the Hammers this season.
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Dael/Shutterstock (13700169v) Declan Rice of West Ham United looks around while he warms up Brentford v West Ham United, Emirates FA Cup, Third Round, Football, Gtech Community Stadium, London, UK – 07 Jan 2023
Soccer Football – FA Cup Third Round – Brentford v West Ham United – Brentford Community Stadium, London, Britain – January 7, 2023 Brentford's Mads Roerslev during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Chris Radburn
Nothing beats an upset in the FA Cup, and Wrexham feel like an excellent candidate at Coventry today.
Lewis Steele looks at this weekend’s potential shocks.
With their famous Hollywood owners and an impressive surge that has taken them second in the National League, Wrexham have fast become one of the most talked about sides in Non-League football.
They have cup form after making the final of the FA Trophy last season, but will face a tough challenge against Coventry, who currently sit a respectable 14th in their second Championship season after winning Promotion in 2020.
The Sky Blues have a rich history in the FA Cup after their famous 1987 campaign that saw them beat Tottenham 3-2 at Wembley to lift the Cup, a game often named the greatest FA Cup final of all time.
COVENTRY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: A Wrexham fan with a home made foil FA Cup trophy with images of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on along with film character Deadpool ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Coventry City and Wrexham at The Coventry Building Society Arena on January 07, 2023 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Brentford come into the match on a high after a brilliant win over Liverpool on Monday. They have now taken points off Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and the Reds this year and will be looking to keep an excellent run alive in front of their ever-lively home crowd.
It’s a different story for David Moyes’ West Ham, who arrive at the G-Tech Community Stadium without a win in their last seven games. A result today could mark an important turning point in their season (and briefly answer questions over the manager’s job), but Brentford will be firm favourites.
The two sides last met on December 30th, when the Bees won 2-0 in East London.
Soccer Football – FA Cup Third Round – Brentford v West Ham United – Brentford Community Stadium, London, Britain – January 7, 2023 West Ham United's Ben Johnson, Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Chris Radburn
And welcome to Sportsmail’s coverage of the FA Cup third round.
We’ll be following today’s 5.30pm kick-offs as Brentford take on West Ham and Wrexham travel to Coventry.
Michael Rudling
Host commentator