Owen Hargreaves brutally criticises three West Ham players for their disastrous performances that led to both of Brentford’s goals
West Ham’s miserable evening at the London Stadium was compounded by a scathing post-match assessment from former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who singled out Tomas Souček, Jarrod Bowen, and Irving for what he called “unforgivable lapses” in the Hammers’ 2–0 defeat to Brentford.
A night to forget in East London
The Hammers came into the game under heavy pressure following back-to-back defeats — but any hopes of a response quickly evaporated. Brentford took control midway through the first half, exposing West Ham’s sluggish defending and lack of urgency in midfield.
The first blow came just before half-time when Igor Thiago pounced on a loose ball after a failed clearance. Souček’s poor positioning and hesitation to track the runner left West Ham’s back line exposed, allowing Thiago to finish clinically.
“Souček looked lost,” Hargreaves said on Premier League Productions after the game. “He’s supposed to be the anchor, but instead he’s watching the game go by. You can’t play midfield on your heels — not in this league.”
Bowen and Irving also under fire
If the first half was bad, the second was worse. West Ham offered little creativity going forward, and their defensive transitions remained a mess. Hargreaves took aim at Jarrod Bowen, accusing the winger of failing to show leadership when the team needed it most.
“Bowen is a senior player now. You expect him to lift the team when they’re struggling,” he said. “But he disappeared tonight — no movement, no urgency, no fight. You can’t hide when your team’s sinking.”
Youngster Irving didn’t escape criticism either. Tasked with providing energy and support down the flank, his lack of aggression stood out in contrast to Brentford’s relentless press.
“He looked nervous,” Hargreaves added. “It’s like he didn’t want the ball. That’s dangerous at this level — Brentford sensed it and punished them.”
Brentford seal the win
As West Ham chased an equaliser late in the game, they were caught again on the break. In stoppage time, Mathias Jensen finished off a swift counter-attack to make it 2–0, sending many of the home fans streaming toward the exits.
“That second goal summed everything up,” Hargreaves remarked. “Souček switches off, Bowen loses the ball, Irving doesn’t track back — it’s the full collapse in thirty seconds. You can’t win football matches like that.”
Hargreaves’ final verdict
Hargreaves, who is known for his analytical approach rather than pure emotion, didn’t mince words this time.
“Three senior players, three disasters,” he said bluntly. “You expect leadership, accountability, fight — but what you saw was a team sleepwalking. If this continues, West Ham will find themselves fighting at the wrong end of the table.”
As the pressure mounts on Nuno Espírito Santo, the fans’ frustration is reaching boiling point. The loss not only extends West Ham’s winless run but also leaves questions about their mentality and direction.
For Hargreaves, the message was clear: “When the players you rely on stop showing up, the club’s in real trouble.”
