Michael Kayode played a key role as Brentford secured a 3-0 victory over West Ham, a result with significant implications at both ends of the Premier League table. The Bees’ first win in seven matches keeps their European hopes alive, while the Hammers now find themselves in danger of slipping into the relegation zone before the weekend concludes.

West Ham almost endured a nightmare start, with Dango Ouattara firing narrowly wide inside the opening minute.

The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half, with Kayode involved in the move that saw the ball bundled over the line after striking the woodwork. Although Konstantinos Mavropanos was ultimately credited with an own goal on review, Brentford’s pressure had forced the error.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side responded well, and only the post denied Taty Castellanos a swift equaliser after a well-placed curling effort.

The visitors then thought they had levelled when Mavropanos scored at the correct end, but VAR ruled the effort out for a marginal offside.

Brentford came close to extending their lead when Mads Hermansen charged off his line and left his goal exposed, but Mikkel Damsgaard failed to capitalise from distance.

West Ham were again denied by the woodwork before half-time, with Castellanos striking the post for a second time, while Hermansen produced a strong save at the other end to keep out Keane Lewis-Potter from close range.

West Ham endured a nightmare start to the second half as a reckless challenge from El Hadji Malick Diouf handed Igor Thiago the chance to double Brentford’s lead from the penalty spot.

The league’s second-highest scorer made no mistake, calmly converting to leave the Hammers with a mountain to climb and seemingly sap their remaining fight, as Brentford took full control of proceedings.

Crysencio Summerville briefly threatened to spark a response with a moment of individual brilliance, but his curling effort was denied by the crossbar after a superb solo run.

With 10 minutes remaining, Mikkel Damsgaard put the result beyond doubt, turning sharply inside the box before guiding a composed finish into the bottom corner.

The victory marks only Brentford’s third win in their last 16 London derbies, with all three coming against West Ham.

The result lifts Brentford up to sixth in the table, capitalising on Brighton’s defeat at Newcastle.

For West Ham, a first loss in four matches leaves them firmly involved in the relegation battle, with Tottenham set to have the opportunity to push them into the bottom three should they beat Aston Villa on Sunday.