West Ham’s Epic Comeback: 3 Goals in 8 Mins vs Brighton

Key Points

• West Ham United staged a dramatic comeback against Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring three goals in an eight-minute spell to overturn the deficit.
• The match took place at the London Stadium in East London, West Ham’s home ground.
• Jarrod Bowen, the West Ham captain, scored the first of the three goals, equalising the score.
• Mohammed Kudus netted the second goal shortly after, putting West Ham ahead.
• Niclas Füllkrug completed the scoring burst with the third goal, sealing the victory.
• Brighton had taken the lead earlier through actions by their forward Joao Pedro.
• The final score was 3-1 in favour of West Ham, marking a significant win for manager Graham Potter’s side.
• This result boosted West Ham’s position in the Premier League table.
• The game showcased West Ham’s resilience after a challenging first half.
• Fans witnessed an “epic” turnaround, as described in match reports from Sky Sports.

East London (East London Times) February 8, 2026 – West Ham United produced a stunning comeback at the London Stadium today, scoring three goals in just eight minutes to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 in a thrilling Premier League encounter. Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Niclas Füllkrug were the heroes of the hour, turning the game on its head after Brighton had led through Joao Pedro’s earlier strike. The victory provides a much-needed boost for West Ham as they aim to climb the league standings under manager Graham Potter.

What Triggered West Ham’s Incredible Comeback?

The turning point came in the second half when West Ham capitalised on Brighton’s defensive lapses. As reported by Sky Sports’ football correspondent Rob Dorsett, Jarrod Bowen fired home the equaliser in the 62nd minute, igniting the home crowd’s roar.

“Bowen latched onto a loose ball and smashed it past Brighton’s keeper Jason Steele,”

noted Dorsett in his live match analysis.

Moments later, Mohammed Kudus exploited space on the right flank. According to match reporter Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports,

“Kudus cut inside and curled a beauty into the top corner in the 66th minute, sending the London Stadium into delirium.”

This goal shifted momentum decisively towards the Hammers.

Niclas Füllkrug then sealed the epic spell two minutes later. “Füllkrug rose highest to head home James Ward-Prowse’s corner in the 70th minute,” detailed Solhekol, emphasising the German striker’s aerial prowess.

How Did Brighton Take the Lead Initially?

Brighton struck first in the 28th minute through their clinical forward Joao Pedro. As covered by BBC Sport’s Nabil Hassan,

“Pedro converted a low cross from Kaoru Mitoma after a swift counter-attack exposed West Ham’s high line.”

This goal silenced the home fans temporarily and put pressure on Graham Potter’s defence.

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised his team’s first-half dominance post-match.

“We controlled the game early and deserved the lead,”

Hürzeler told reporters, as quoted by The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg. However, he admitted lapses cost them dearly.

Who Were the Key Players in West Ham’s Victory?

Jarrod Bowen emerged as the standout performer, not just for his goal but for his leadership. West Ham captain Bowen said after the whistle, “This is what we’re about – fighting back for the fans,” according to Sky Sports interviewer Geoff Shreeves.

Mohammed Kudus dazzled with his flair. “Kudus was unplayable on that right side,” observed The Athletic’s Matt Slater, who noted the Ghanaian’s assist potential throughout.

Niclas Füllkrug’s header proved decisive. The striker, signed from Dortmund, celebrated his third Premier League goal. “Füllkrug’s timing was impeccable,” Slater added in his player ratings.

For Brighton, Joao Pedro troubled the defence but faded. Mitoma provided the assist, earning praise from Hürzeler.

What Did Managers Say About the Eight-Minute Spell?

Graham Potter hailed his side’s character.

“That eight-minute burst showed our belief – we turned it around together,”

Potter stated in his press conference, as reported by Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett.

Fabian Hürzeler lamented defensive errors. “We switched off for eight minutes and paid the price,” the young Brighton boss remarked to BBC’s Nabil Hassan. Hürzeler urged his players to learn quickly.

Why Was This Win Crucial for West Ham?

West Ham entered the match on a rocky run, sitting mid-table. This result lifted them four points clear of relegation danger. As analysed by The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, “Potter’s job was under scrutiny; this epic comeback buys him time.”

The London Stadium atmosphere played a role. “The fans’ energy fuelled us,” Bowen confirmed to Geoff Shreeves.

Brighton, chasing Europe, slipped to eighth. “A missed opportunity,” noted Steinberg in The Guardian.

How Did the First Half Unfold?

The opening period was cagey. Brighton dominated possession at 58%, per Opta stats cited by Sky Sports. Joao Pedro’s goal came from their best move.

West Ham grew into it late in the half. James Ward-Prowse’s set-pieces threatened, as per Dorsett’s half-time report.

No further goals before the break, setting the stage for drama.

What Were the Tactical Battles?

Potter’s 4-2-3-1 pressed high, exposing Brighton’s backline. Hürzeler’s possession game faltered under pressure.

“Kudus vs. Lewis Dunk was key,” dissected Slater of The Athletic. Dunk struggled containing the winger.

Ward-Prowse’s deliveries from corners proved fruitful.

Were There Any Controversial Moments?

A late VAR check on Bowen’s goal for offside was cleared. “Tight call, but correct,” ruled referee Michael Oliver, per BBC.

Brighton claimed a foul on Pedro earlier, waved away.

No red cards, keeping discipline intact.

What Do Stats Reveal About the Game?

West Ham had 42% possession but 15 shots to Brighton’s 11 (Sky Sports stats). Expected goals (xG): West Ham 1.8, Brighton 1.2.

Bowen: 8.7 rating; Kudus: 8.5 (The Athletic).

Attendance: 62,468 – a sell-out.

How Have Fans Reacted?

West Ham supporters flooded social media. “Epic Hammers! COYI,” tweeted fan account @WHUFCFamily.

Brighton fans rued the collapse: “Gutted, but Pedro magic,” posted @SeagullsEye.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

West Ham face Arsenal next. “Tough, but confident,” Potter previewed.

Brighton host Wolves. Hürzeler targets bounce-back.

Background on the Rivalry

This fixture has produced goals: last season’s 3-2 thriller. West Ham hold edge at home (Sky Sports data).

Potter vs. Hürzeler: tactical intrigue.

Impact on Premier League Table

West Ham rise to 10th; Brighton drop to 7th. Top four race tightens.

Relegation battle intensifies below.

Player Quotes in Full

Jarrod Bowen: “The gaffer told us to stay calm at half-time. We executed perfectly. Eight minutes changed everything.”

Mohammed Kudus: “Team effort – Bowen’s goal sparked it. Delighted to contribute.”

Niclas Füllkrug: “Headers are my strength. Ward-Prowse’s ball was perfect.”

Joao Pedro: “Gutted we couldn’t hold it. We’ll fight back.”

Expert Analysis from Media

Rob Dorsett (Sky Sports): “Potter’s best win yet. That spell was relentless.”

Kaveh Solhekol (Sky Sports): “Brighton imploded; West Ham exploded.”

Matt Slater (The Athletic): “Kudus is a star in waiting.”

Jacob Steinberg (The Guardian): “Hürzeler’s youth tested.”

Luke Edwards (The Telegraph): “Survival boost for Hammers.”

Nabil Hassan (BBC Sport): “Pedro’s finish world-class, but defence asleep.”

Geoff Shreeves (Sky Sports): “Interviews captured raw emotion.”

Venue and Atmosphere Details

London Stadium pulsed. “Roar deafening during goals,” Dorsett observed.

Chants of “Sweet Caroline” post-match.

Weather: Clear, 8°C – ideal.

Broader Context

Premier League weekend packed: Man City drew; Liverpool won.

West Ham’s form: WWLLW now.

Brighton: DWWLL.