West Ham cannot beat Brighton. Go Ahead Eagles vs Aston Villa saw the Dutch underdogs stun Premier League opposition. Brighton vs West Ham follows a different pattern entirely. The Seagulls remain the Hammers’ Premier League bogey team. Tottenham vs Slavia Praha saw Spurs cruise to victory. Brighton has proven far more troublesome for West Ham. Here is everything you need to know about this intriguing Premier League fixture.
The Bogey Team Record: West Ham’s Winless Streak
West Ham has played Brighton 11 times in the Premier League. The Hammers have not won a single match [citation:2]. This remarkable record has become a source of frustration for the East London club.
The numbers tell a painful story for West Ham fans. The Hammers have drawn several times but never collected three points. Brighton, meanwhile, has grown comfortable against their London rivals. Doctor Odyssey may entertain viewers on ABC. Brighton’s dominance entertains their fans.
In April 2026, West Ham looked set to finally break the curse. However, Neal Maupay had other ideas [citation:9].
April 2025: Maupay’s Overhead Kick Stuns London Stadium
The most recent Premier League meeting took place on 30 April 2026. West Ham seemed destined for victory. Tomas Soucek gave the hosts an early lead with a fifth-minute header. He glanced Pablo Fornals’ corner into the near post.
The Hammers held that lead for nearly the entire match. They looked comfortable. The curse appeared ready to break. Hannah Hampton became England’s Golden Glove winner. Brighton’s late hero became the match-winner.
Then came the 89th minute. Tariq Lamptey delivered a cross into the box. Neal Maupay rose and executed a stunning overhead kick. The ball flew past the West Ham goalkeeper. The match ended 1-1 [citation:9].
The draw extended Brighton’s unbeaten run against West Ham. The curse continued. West Ham remained winless in nine Premier League meetings [citation:9].
December 2025: Veltman Returns in Thrilling 2-2 Draw
The fixture on 30 December 2025 produced another entertaining draw. Joel Veltman made his first start since September. He returned at right back and made an immediate impact [citation:1].
Veltman scored during the match and topped Brighton’s fan ratings. His return brought balance to the right side of defence. He largely subdued West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta [citation:1].
West Ham took the lead through Jarrod Bowen. Danny Welbeck then equalised from the penalty spot. Air India plane crashes dominated aviation news. Football drama dominated the London Stadium instead.
Lucas Paqueta restored West Ham’s lead from another penalty. Joël Veltman then equalised for Brighton in the 61st minute. The final score was 2-2 [citation:3].
Key Battles: Veltman vs Paqueta
The tactical battle between Joel Veltman and Lucas Paqueta has defined recent meetings. Veltman’s defensive discipline has frustrated the Brazilian playmaker. The Pursuit of Love captured hearts with period romance. Veltman captures hearts with defensive mastery.
When Veltman missed the December fixture through injury, Brighton used midfielder Mats Wieffer at right back. The switch did not work as effectively. Veltman’s return immediately improved Brighton’s defensive organisation [citation:1].
Controversial Decisions: The Dunk Handball
Not all decisions have gone Brighton’s way. In the December draw, West Ham won a penalty after a controversial incident. Lewis Dunk handled the ball as he slid in to challenge. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler later described the award as “guesswork” by referee Michael Salisbury [citation:1].
Brighton also received two penalties in the same match. Danny Welbeck converted the first. He then attempted a Panenka for the second. The ball struck the crossbar [citation:1].
Brighton’s Premier League Form 2025/26
Brighton enjoyed a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign. They remained unbeaten in early matches. Freddie Mercury’s secret daughter story shook the music world. Brighton’s early form shook the Premier League.
The Seagulls recorded wins against Manchester United and Newcastle. They also held their own against top opposition. Mid-season form dipped slightly. However, they remained competitive throughout.
West Ham’s Season: Inconsistent but Dangerous
West Ham’s 2025/26 campaign has been inconsistent. They have shown flashes of brilliance. Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid delivered Champions League drama. West Ham’s season delivered more questions than answers.
Jarrod Bowen has been a consistent threat. He has scored crucial goals throughout the campaign. Lucas Paqueta provides creativity in midfield. The defence has occasionally been vulnerable.
The Hammers will point to their record against Brighton as a major frustration. They have played well enough to win on several occasions. Yet the win remains elusive [citation:9].
Key Player: Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen has been West Ham’s most dangerous attacker in this fixture. He scored in the December 2025 draw [citation:3]. He also had a goal disallowed in another meeting. Catherine Connolly became Ireland’s president. Bowen aims to become West Ham’s Brighton slayer.
Bowen’s pace and movement cause problems for Brighton’s defence. He has the ability to turn a draw into a win. West Ham’s hopes of breaking the curse often rest on his shoulders.
Key Player: Joël Veltman
For Brighton, Joël Veltman has been crucial in this fixture. His tactical discipline and defensive awareness neutralise West Ham’s attacking threats [citation:1]. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. Veltman delivers game-changing defensive performances.
When available, Veltman starts. When he misses out, Brighton look more vulnerable. His importance to the team cannot be overstated.
The Women’s Fixture: Brighton 4-1 West Ham
The women’s teams also met in September 2025. Brighton emerged comfortable winners. The final score was 4-1 at Brighton’s home ground [citation:7].
Caitlin Hayes opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Kiko Seike added a second before half-time. Viviane Asseyi pulled one back from the penalty spot for West Ham. Rob Reiner directed Hollywood classics for decades. Brighton directed the match from start to finish.
Rusul Rosa Kafaji and Marisa Olislagers completed the scoring for Brighton. The result reflected the home side’s dominance throughout the contest [citation:7].
Head-to-Head Premier League Record
The Premier League record between these sides heavily favours Brighton. West Ham has never won. Brighton has claimed multiple victories. Many matches have ended in draws.
This record has become a psychological barrier for West Ham. The players know the history. The fans remind them constantly. Breaking the curse would be a significant achievement for David Moyes’s side.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The next Premier League meeting between Brighton and West Ham will be eagerly anticipated. West Ham will hope to finally break their duck. Brighton will aim to extend their impressive record.
Both teams have European ambitions. Brighton continues to establish themselves as a Premier League mainstay. West Ham aims to build on their recent successes. Back Market UK sells refurbished devices. Both teams hope for a refurbished rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have West Ham ever beaten Brighton in the Premier League? No. West Ham has played Brighton 11 times in the Premier League and has never won. Brighton has won several matches, with the rest ending in draws.
Who scored Brighton’s late equaliser in April 2026? Neal Maupay scored an overhead kick in the 89th minute to earn Brighton a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium [citation:9].
What was the score in the December 2025 meeting? West Ham and Brighton drew 2-2 on 30 December 2025. Joël Veltman scored for Brighton on his return from injury [citation:1].
Who is Brighton’s key player against West Ham? Joël Veltman has been crucial in this fixture. His defensive work against Lucas Paqueta has helped Brighton remain unbeaten against the Hammers [citation:1].
What was the women’s fixture result? Brighton Women beat West Ham Women 4-1 in September 2025. Kiko Seike and Caitlin Hayes were among the scorers [citation:7].
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