Sometimes, the scoreline doesn't tell the full story—and West Ham's 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday was a painful reminder of that footballing truth. While the final result at Gtech Community Stadium suggests a comfortable afternoon for Keith Andrews' European-chasing side, the Hammers were left wondering what might have been after a staggering four shots struck the woodwork.

That unfortunate feat ties a Premier League record for most woodwork hits in a single match this season. Valentin Castellanos hit a post twice, while an own goal from Konstantinos Mavropanos had already put the hosts ahead before halftime. After the break, Crysencio Summerville unleashed a thunderous drive that rattled the crossbar with the score still at 3-0. Tomas Soucek pounced on the rebound, only to guide his effort agonizingly against the outside of the post.

"We had chances, hit the post twice, hit the bar and post again," West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen told Sky Sports. "It's really disappointing. On another day we would have got the win. We've done a lot of good things."

But in football, as in fashion, it's the details that count. And for West Ham, those inches have left their survival hopes hanging by a thread. The defeat means they missed the chance to move five points clear of the relegation zone. Instead, they remain just two points above Tottenham, who have a game in hand and boast a far superior goal difference—nine goals better off. Spurs now have a golden opportunity to leapfrog the Hammers with victory at Aston Villa on Sunday.

"It's up to us how we will react from this situation," manager Nuno Espirito Santo told BBC Match of the Day. "Let's stick together. We have three games to go. It will go down to the wire."

Brentford, meanwhile, showed clinical finishing to complement West Ham's misfortune. Igor Thiago converted a second-half penalty, and Mikkel Damsgaard added a composed finish to seal a result that flattered the hosts but reflected their efficiency in front of goal. By the time Summerville and Soucek were denied by the frame, the damage was already done.

With Leeds United moving nine points clear of Spurs after beating Burnley on Friday, and Nottingham Forest continuing their strong form, the battle for survival is tightening. A three-team scrap is beginning to take shape, and every point—and every inch—will matter in the final stretch. For West Ham, the hope is that their luck will turn when it matters most.