Slaven Bilic's future as manager of West Ham is under serious doubt tonight after his side slumped to a demoralising defeat against newly-promoted Brighton at the OS.
In what had been billed by defender Winston Reid as a "must win" game, Bilic's side were humbled by an Albion side who had never previously won a Premier League fixture on the road.Embed from Getty Images
And even worse for the manager was the lack of effort and determination from his players, many of whom appeared to effectively give up the fight once Brighton scored their second on the cusp of half time.
The scene was set just ten minutes into the game when the visitors grabbed the first goal of the evening. An unmarked Glenn Murray, who hadn't been tracked by his marker (Michail Antonio) headed in Pascal Gross' free-kick to give the Seagulls an early advantage.
West Ham initially responded well, but with little to offer in the final third continued to find themselves frustrated by Brighton's solid defending.
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However there was worse to follow when Chris Hughton's side added a second in added-on time at the end of the half, as Jose Izquierdo beat a flat-footed Joe Hart from distance to make it 2-0.
Given the parlous state of affairs, West Ham could have been expected to come out firing on all cylinders for the second half. Yet this wasn't the case, as Bilic's side proved to be no less insipid or ineffectual as they had been before the break.
Adding insult to injury, Brighton grabbed a third goal 15 minutes from the end of normal time when Pablo Zabaleta felled Glenn Murray inside the box. The experienced striker dusted himself down before picking his spot to add his second and Brighton's third and final goal.
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West Ham Utd: Hart, Zabaleta, Reid (c), Fonte, Masuaku, Obiang, Kouyate (Ayew 46), Antonio, Lanzini, Arnautovic (Fernandes 73), Chicharito.
Subs not used: Adrian, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Byram, Noble.
Booked: Hernandez.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Ryan, Bruno (c), Bong, Dunk, Stephens, Knockaert (Schelotto 84), Gross (Brown 77), Murray, Izquierdo (March 69), Duffy, Propper.
Subs not used: Krul, Goldson, Suttner, Molumby.
Goals: Murray (10, pen 75), Izquierdo (45 +1).
Referee: Martin Atkinson.
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