Murray soars for Seagulls as West Ham brought back down to earth

WEST Ham suffered a fresh setback in what was supposed to be a season without struggle as they lost 1-0 at Brighton.

Four fixtures without defeat had encouraged an optimism that their £100million investment in new signings could yet inspire them into the top half of the Premier League.

They instead again resembled an unsettled side struggling for an identity as Glenn Murray’s 99th goal for Brighton took the hosts above them and up to 12th place. The Hammers are now in 15th.

Brighton had already threatened when, in the 25th minute, they deservedly took the lead. The visitors’ Andriy Yarmolenko was guilty of losing concentration and then possession to Beram Kayal near the half-way line, and from there the Brighton midfielder created their opening goal.

After playing a swift one-two with Solly March, Kayal ran unchallenged down the left wing and had time to look up and cross to Murray, who from immediately in front of goal had an inexplicable amount of space to routinely finish beyond Lukasz Fabianski.

Anderson’s delivery ensured the visitors had a promising chance of their own shortly afterwards, but when Arnautovic struggled to connect, Pedro Obiang volleyed into the ground and over.

With Manuel Pellegrini’s team struggling to retain possession, it took until shortly after the hour mark for them to again look capable of scoring.

On this occasion, from a 25yard free-kick Anderson took instead of Yarmolenko and when set-pieces already represented their greatest chance of equalising, the Brazilian curled harmlessly over the crossbar.

Murray then almost scored his 100th goal for Brighton when March weaved his way from the right wing into the penalty area and chipped a cross into his path, but the striker headed over.

With five minutes remaining West Ham won another free-kick, the in-form Arnautovic this time took responsibility but curled just beyond the crossbar.

Brighton substitute Jurgen Locadia was then unfortunate when his finish was ruled out for the most marginal of offside calls.

Yet when Arnautovic missed another late chance and they secured their first clean sheet of the season, it not only again highlighted West Ham’s struggles, but those of Manchester United who lost to the Hammers last week.

Brighton also confirmed that defenders Lewis Dunk and Republic of Ireland international Shane Duffy have both signed new long-term contracts with the club.

Albion’s centre-back partners have extended their stays for another five years, taking them through to the summer of 2023. Winner: Glenn Murray scored his 99th goal for Brighton