Adama Traore stars for West Ham against Brentford in 45-minute outing | OneFootball

West Ham United overcame Brentford on penalties at the London Stadium last night to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 10 years.

The Hammers went ahead twice through Jarrod Bowen, but Igor Thiago pegged them back both times to drag the game into extra-time and penalties.

West Ham secured the win after Dango Ouattara fluffed his lines with a poor penalty attempt.

Adama Traore produced a fine performance, despite playing for only 45 minutes.

Traore got the better of Michael Kayode before dragging his shot wide early on. He was sprightly and full of running.

The 30-year-old then won a penalty off Kayode in the 34th minute, which Bowen converted.

Traore was also diligent in defence, winning four of his six ground duels.

However, manager Nuno Espirito Santo inexplicably brought him off for Crysencio Summerville, who dazzled but gave away the penalty for Brentford’s second equaliser.

Traore’s performance was promising, hopefully a sign of things to come. He can be a key weapon in their survival bid.

Nuno, who has described Traore as ‘unique‘, pushed for his arrival, and the winger needs to deliver the goods.

He will likely remain behind Summerville and Bowen in the pecking order, but Traore is a fantastic weapon to call upon.

Even though this was the FA Cup, performances like this suggest West Ham have enough about them to avoid the drop in the Premier League.

The Hammers may currently sit 18th in the table, but encouraging signs are emerging.

There is greater sharpness in attack, more physical presence in duels and a sense of cohesion that has often been missing this season.

If Nuno can bottle this level of intensity and organisation for the league run-in, survival is very achievable.

West Ham have the quality in their squad. They just need to keep producing displays like this when it matters most.