In an evenly contested Matchweek 17 clash, West Ham United and Brighton shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Both sides exhibited strong defensive structures and moments of attacking brilliance, with Mohamed Kudus and Joao Pedro finding the net. The cumulative expected goals (xG) painted a picture of a match where both teams had legitimate chances to claim victory: West Ham with an xG of 1.2, and Brighton slightly edging it at 1.4.
Key Stats
Fouls: Brighton committed 19 fouls compared to West Ham’s 14, reflecting their aggressive pressing style.
Dribbles: Brighton completed 37 dribbles to West Ham’s 21, showcasing their individual flair in breaking lines.
Progressive Runs: Brighton’s 23 progressive runs were crucial in maintaining attacking momentum.
Match Momentum
The momentum chart revealed Brighton’s dominance early in the second half, particularly around the 50th-minute mark when Mohamed Kudus scored. Brighton responded quickly through Joao Pedro, with their period of control culminating in his 58th-minute equalizer. Both teams had sporadic moments of control late in the game but lacked the cutting edge to capitalize further.
Shots Taken and Goals Scored
West Ham and Brighton were evenly matched in attacking output. West Ham took eight shots, with four on target, and generated 1.2 xG. Their goal by Kudus came from a well-timed run and finish inside the box.
Brighton, meanwhile, managed seven shots with five on target, translating into 1.4 xG. Joao Pedro’s strike showcased Brighton’s quick transitions and clinical finishing in the final third. The shot maps revealed Brighton’s tendency to attack through central areas, leveraging Joao Pedro’s positioning, while West Ham often looked to exploit wide areas, particularly through Jarrod Bowen.
Possession Tactics and Pass Maps
Brighton’s pass map demonstrated their focus on structured build-up play. Pervis Estupiñán and Kaoru Mitoma were pivotal in progressing the ball down the left flank, while Pascal Groß provided the central creative spark. Their controlled possession (55%) allowed them to dominate midfield battles.
West Ham’s approach was more direct. Lucas Paquetá and Tomas Souček were key to transitioning the ball quickly to attacking areas, with Jarrod Bowen playing an influential role on the right flank. However, their pass network highlighted a lack of penetration through the middle, relying on wide areas to create openings.
The draw leaves both teams reflecting on missed opportunities. Brighton will be pleased with their control in possession but frustrated at not converting dominance into more goals. West Ham, on the other hand, showed resilience and moments of brilliance but need to refine their final-third play to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities. A tactical stalemate that left fans intrigued and hopeful for what lies ahead.