"For the third time in three FA Cup ties, the conventional 90 minutes were insufficient for Nuno Espirito Santo's team to find a winner, with two goals apiece for Jarrod Bowen and Igor Thiago cancelling each other out. Unlike the previous two occasions, they could not even settle this one in extra time, requiring a penalty shootout to see off Brentford."
"By contrast, most of West Ham's leading lights began the evening in the London Stadium dugout as Nuno understandably opted to prioritise top-flight survival over knockout jeopardy. He had taken a similar approach in the previous round against lowly Burton Albion, only to call his heavy artillery off the bench to squeak past the League One club in extra time."
West Ham defeated Brentford 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the FA Cup fifth round, marking their third consecutive tie requiring extra time or penalties. Jarrod Bowen and Igor Thiago each scored twice for West Ham. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo prioritized Premier League survival by fielding a weakened starting lineup, reserving key players for the bench. Brentford, pursuing their first European campaign, fielded a stronger team. West Ham now faces Leeds United in a winnable home quarter-final, offering a potential Wembley appearance despite relegation concerns.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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