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

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

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

The East London outfit secured the win after Dango Ouattara fluffed his lines with a poor penalty attempt.

West Ham needed to take the game to the Bees, and Adama Traore was instrumental to that.

He had arguably his best performance in the club’s colours 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.

Besides his attacking responsibilities, he 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 lauded Traore as ‘unique’, pushed for his arrival, and the winger needs to deliver the goods. Yesterday, he did.

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, most importantly, a sense of cohesion that has often been missing this season.

Players looked clearer in their roles and more willing to fight for the result.

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.