Alan Pardew hails West Ham ‘revelation’ and explains how Axel Disasi can inspire Brentford win

Mavropanos highlighted Disasi’s ‘presence’ and vocal nature as a major factor in West Ham United’s revival, both on and off the pitch, when speaking ahead of Saturday’s 3pm kick-off away to Brentford.

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For Alan Pardew, who famously took West Ham to an FA Cup final and a top-half finish in 2005/06, the biggest plus regarding the signing of Axel Disasi is the new-found ‘aggression’ he has brought to a previously passive backline.

Alan Pardew raves about West Ham United defender Axel Disasi

“(Disasi) has been a revelation since he’s come to West Ham,” Pardew tells talkSPORT. “And I think he’s brought a kind of aggression to that back four that was lacking. Their kind of intensity has gone up a level and that’s massively important when you’re fighting for your lives.

“Set plays, he’s quite dominant. And I think he’s brought the other fella (Mavropanos) to life.”

Nuno Espirito Santo certainly sounds a lot more confident regarding West Ham’s defending these days, at least in comparison to the last time they faced Brentford in October’s 2-0 home defeat.

The Hammers conceded nine set-piece goals in their first nine league matches of 2025/26. Only eight have been let in during the following 25.

“I do think, obviously, Brentford at home at set plays are particularly strong and West Ham really need to cover that today,” adds Pardew, the Bees having already stung Chelsea and Liverpool with some of Michael Kayode’s famous long throws.

“If they can cover Brentford at set plays, long throws, etc, they’ve got a great opportunity.”

Hammers can go five clear as Tottenham travel to Aston Villa

Confidence is relatively high at the Hammers following the 2-1 victory over Everton last time out. They can move five points clear of Tottenham with a win this afternoon.

Pardew thinks relegation would be ‘catastrophic’ for Spurs. One suspects there would be little sympathy in East London for the demise of their despised northern neighbours.

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“That result last weekend was massive for them,” says Pardew. “When you look at the league table, probably two wins will be enough from the games that are left. So (the Brentford game) is a great opportunity for them.

“It’s not a historically great ground for them – the last four times, I think it’s been three defeats and a draw – so it’s not a happy hunting ground, but they’re in great form. Momentum when the group are together and you’ve got that belief, it can really drive you on.

“I think it’ll be a cracking game this afternoon. I can’t wait.

“I expect West Ham to be in a very, very good mood for this game because of the result last week. The fans will be up for it. I do fancy them actually to get something. And with Spurs at Aston Villa, it could be a crucial weekend.”