Continuing my series of past games looks at the draw at home to Liverpool on 4th February 2019.
League leaders Liverpool were looking to go 5 points clear of title chasing Manchester City, but were held to draw at London Stadium to a West Ham side who showed enough in attack to earn a point. Another laboured performance from the Reds after a draw with Leicester City in the week handed some crucial ground to Man City.
Liverpool started well and were rewarded for their threat in front of goal when Sadio Mane fled past Fanianski on 22nd minute, despite James Milner, who provided the assist, being offside in the build-up.
But the Hammers were not to be beaten, playing with some freedom and making the clearer chances throughout the match six minutes later Michail Antonio scored a deserved equaliser as Liverpools defence failed to clock Felipe Anderson’s neatly disguised free-kick that Antonio picked up on his run into the area and drive a low angled shot that went in off the post. This was Antonio’s fourth goal in his five Premier League games against Liverpool.
The Reds attack failed to put the Hammers defence under any severe pressure with just two efforts from Mohamed Sarah and a header from Mane, comfortably dealt with by Fabianski. Divork Origi lost sight of goal for the final kick of the game shooting straight at the keeper, for another comfortable save.
The Hammers made the Reds defence look amateurish as they repeatedly failed to track runners from free-kicks, highlighted cruelly for the equaliser as Antonio caught the defence napping when they seemed to be ready for Anderson to play high into the area, instead of a low pass to set up Michail for his diagonal run fire past Allison.
The Hammers could have taken all three points as soon after the equaliser Anderson – voted man of the match – went around the side of the wall from another free kick to get a shot away, whilst Declan Rice also headed over the bar when unmarked.
The draw ended a run of three straight defeats for the Hammers, who should feel that the game was theirs to win as the Reds errors highlighted the absences of injured defensive trio Lovren, Gomez and Alexander-Arnold.
But credit must be given to the Hammers defence for playing with impressive organisation, a welcome improvement after a dismal defeat to Wimbledon in the FA Cup. Bright and inventive in possession, Pellegrini was clearer disappointed with the draw. Rightly angry about Milner’s offside and again with Origi’s opportunity, but when asked about speaking to the officials about what Manuel felt were clear errors by the officials, he shrugged his shoulders. But the gaffer highlighted the many opportunities the team had to seal a victory.
The result left Manuel Pellegrini’s side 12th, level on 32 points with 11th placed Leicester City.
Continuing my series on highlighting past home matches.
Despite a winless October West Ham put in a performance that Manuel Pellegrini described at the time as the best by the team since he took charge. Lead by man of the match Felipe Anderson, the Hammers we bold, thrilling but also showed a brittle side, superior against a struggling Burnley, but not convincing.
Sean Dyche’s team had been struggling to maintain the momentum of the previous season that saw them reach unexpected heights and with heavy losses to Manchester City and Chelsea were taken apart by the home sides’ adventurous play.
Anderson, who was poor against Tottenham Hotspur in the recent Carabao Cup defeat and substituted at half time for Robert Snodgrass, spearheaded a dominant display at the London Stadium as he sliced through the Burnley defence at will.
Arnautovic opened the scoring for the Hammers when he dispossessed James Tarkowski and raced clear to fire home. The Hammers could have run away with the match with Joe Hart making excellent saves from both Arnautovic and Pedro Obiang and Ben Mee rescuing his side with a goal line clearance. But Burnley managed to equalise against the run of play through Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s slotted home goal just before half time.
With the introduction of Javier Hernandez on the hour the Hammers went out for victory and despite Mee saving his team again to deny Hernandez a goal almost with is first kick, Burnley could not hold out much longer. Excellent work from both Arnautovic and Diangana in 68th minute set up Anderson who fired home between the advancing Hart’s legs from just 12 yards out.
With the introduction of both Robbie Brady and Chris Wood, Burnley we able to fashion an equaliser from a corner, with Brady delivering for Wood to head powerfully home for an equaliser.
But the Hammers were out for the win, and two opportunities for Anderson created with more wonderful interplay between Diangana and Arnautovic provided Felipe with a chance that the Brazilian took to find the net from a deflection off Mee, who was unable to save the team this time round.
Anderson, who had struggled to settle having scored only one goal since joining the team in July, showed his influence again when he delivered a sublime cross field pass that began an attack that lead to Hernandez scoring again from the bench. Anderson, who took more touches and played more passes than anyone else on the pitch, drew praise from Pellegrini, who said despite his poor performance against Spurs in the Carabao Cup, put in a massive performance.
“I said before the game that maybe some players need more time to adapt to the league, but his commitment has always been 100%,” said Pellegrini.
“I talked a lot with him, and there was never a chance of him not playing. He knew from the beginning that despite playing bad against Tottenham, he was going to play. It was a massive performance.”
Diangana also stood out with the 20 year old’s direct approach giving Charlie Taylor, Burnley’s left back, a difficult afternoon. His performance included 5 key passes and an assist for the second goal by Anderson.
The win kept West Ham in 13th place on just 11 points, with Burnley in 15th on just 8 points.
Aaron was born on 15th December 1989 and made his first team debut for Tranmere Rovers on 1st November in a League One match against Milton Keynes Dons after joining their youth team system when he was released from Liverpool where he worked his way up through the academy.
The young aspiring footballer grew up in Liverpool idolizing star striker Robbie Fowler of Liverpool. On the pitch, his performances would see his stock rise as multiple Championship sides were trying to get his signature. Although he was offered a new contract to remain at Tranmere, manager Les Parry expected Aaron to turn it down saying “Aaron has got four or five Championship clubs trying to sign him; if I had a guess I would say Aaron might be leaving us this summer.
In June 2011 Ipswich Town won the race to secure his services, with the likes of West From and Doncaster Rovers fighting for his signature. The clubs had initially failed to agree a fee and after a transfer tribunal a 3 year contract was announced. Cressy debut for the club was on 6th August 2011, starting in a 0-3 away win against Bristol City at Ashton Gate. Aaron scored his first goal for Ipswich on 17th March 2012 in a 3-2 home win against Peterborough United. Making 46 appearances in all competitions in his first season at Portman Road, Cresswell won the club’s player of the year award.
He made 130 appearances for Ipswich Town over 3 years and his steady and consistent performances with Ipswich Town made Premier League sides take notice of the defender with reported interest at the time from Aston Villa.
But in July 2014 West Ham United signed him to a five year contract, reportedly worth £3.75m and made his debut against Tottenham Hotspurs in a 0-1 defeat at Boleyn Ground. Cressy scored his first goal in a 1-0 victory over Newcastle on 29th November and in 2015 was voted Hammer of the Year and Players Player of the Year.
In July 2016 Aaron suffered a knee-ligament injury in a 3-0 pre-season victory over Karlsruher SC. It was initially expected for Cresswell to be out of action for four months, but he recovered to return to first team football in a 1-0 away victory against Crystal Palace on 15th October, assisting Manual Lanzini for the winner. But 2 yellow cards in the matter of a few minutes saw him sent off, cutting his comeback short.
In September 2019, Aaron scored a 25 yard free kick against Manchester United at the London Stadium helping to securing a 2-0 victory. Hitting the back of the net again a week later in a 2-2 against Bournemouth Cresswell scored in consecutive league appearances for the first time in his career. Cressy signed a new 4 year contract to stay at West Ham until 2023. In the new system employed by Moyes this season, Cresswell is definitely a player West Ham are looking to hold on to averaging 2 key passes per 90 in the Premier League this season.
He earned his first England cap against Spain at Wembley Stadium in November 2016 but has only played 3 times for the national team.
Cresswell has become an integral member of the team, popular with players and fans alike and a committed and reliable player on the pitch. When asked about this seasons improved form Aaron says:
“I think the togetherness we’ve got at the moment, we’ve got a very good team spirit,” he observed. “Certainly, since the lockdown last season, when we played nine games to get out of the relegation battle we were in, we did it with a couple of games to go and I think we’ve just carried that form right through up to now.”
“The league is really tight this season which means we’re right up there, so it’s a good start, but it’s still early doors.”
In Cresswell’s 7th season at West Ham, he observes that it’s “one of the best dressing rooms we’ve had here for a long time.”
This season Cressy has played in 17 premier league matches with 18 tackles and 4 assists. Most recently against Everton Aaron almost scored from a free kick and provided the assist – albeit deflected – for Soucek to score the winner in the 86th to give Moyes a first win against Everton at Goodison Park since leaving in 2013.
Cresswell has received plenty of feedback on his revised form under Moyes, which he has highlighted himself and spoke about how happy he feels in the role he is playing in the team this season.
Josh Verrills @WestHamJoshV on Twitter said: “Credit where it is due, the formation Moyes has employed this season has suited Cresswell down to the ground and he is playing better and more consistently well than he has done in the last three seasons or more. Good to see such a long serving player returning to good form.”
@TheWestHamYank says ‘Our most improved player since last season”
Benrahma @Ethan34790376 says “Always been a fan of cress. He’s been reborn this season”
Lets hope Creswell continues to flourish in his role and we carry on with our good form throughout this New Year.
West Ham had let a 2 goal lead slip into a draw dragging them into the relegation zone with Manchester City and Liverpool to look forward to in the coming games ahead. Since returning to the managers post in December, Moyes had not been able to lift the teams form with only 1 league win in 6 and being dumped out of the FA Cup by then Championship side West Brom.
Issa Diop and Robert Snodgrass – who provided and then delivered – gave the Hammers a two goal lead just before half time. Diop headed in from a Snodgrass free kick, who then doubled the lead with a powerful strike from inside the area. It seems that the players had managed to turn their poor form around and the crowd were bouyant going in to the break.
Then came the second half, with alarm bells ringing as Fabianski punched Gross’s corner at Ogbonna who managed to head the ball into his own net. Snodgrass capped his man of the match performance with a second goal that left Brighton struggling for answers leading up to the final quarter hour of the match. But Brighton did not give up.
Shocking defending left Moyes angry that the team were unable to see out the win to continue a trend where the Hammers have yet to beat Brighton the the Premier League with the most recent victory in April 2012 when both team were in the Championship.
Substitute Arthus Masuaku’s poor pass infield was intercepted by Leandro Trossard sending the ball towards the box. Diop and Ogbonna hesitated under little pressure and as Ogbonna tried to head the ball back towards the keeper Fabianski, Pascal Gross nipped the ball into the net.
Fabianksi was arguably at fault for Brighton’s third and even Ryan Fredericks should have prevented the Davy Propper’s cross from being delivered to Glenn Murray, who scored to the exasperation of Moyes and the home crowd. After a lengthy VAR review the goal stood, reversing Michael Oliver’s origins decision to disallow the goal for hand ball.
Moyes said “I’m more disappointed at what my defender did; VAR should never have been close to being involved with it.”
It could be argued that both teams could not continue to survive the drop playing like this, with Brighton soft under pressure and West Ham making such defensive mistakes and not being able to see out the match to secure all three points.
“I’m angry and the players know I’m disappointed,” Moyes said.
“In the main we were very good but for a couple of really silly mistakes. We offered a threat, as did they. The performance was good but it’s tarnished by a couple of mistakes.”
After this match West Ham sat 18th in the table on 24 points, with Villa in 17th on 25 points and Bournemouth 16th on 26 points. Brighton remained in 15th on goal difference on 26 points.
Coming in to this game the Hammers had enjoyed 2 wins and 2 draws after a thrashing to Manchester City on the opening day of the season. Manchester United had suffered a 3-1 defeat in the same fixture the previous season at the London Stadium that highlighted the cracks of Jose Mourinho’s tenure and this was to prove another difficult fixture, this time for Ole Solskjær.
Goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Aaron Cresswell made it five matches without defeat for West Ham United as they climbed to 4th in the league on 11 points, sinking Manchester United to another defeat and piling pressure onto Solskjær, who had left key players out of his squad.
The first half was evenly poised between both teams, although West Ham didn’t have to play too well as Man Utd were lacklustre, until Felipe Anderson found Yarmolenko just inside the penalty area for a powerful strike into the bottom corner of the net.
With a spurned opportunity to equalise from Man Utd’s Juan Mata and Fabianski’s point blank save from Harry Maguire it was left to Cresswell to produce a stunning free kick from 25 yards to settle the score 6 minutes from time.
The home team had balance with Declan Rice in front of the back four with both Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson a menace down the flanks, West Ham were in control and could sit deeper in the second half.
Man Utd away form was poor having drawn 4 and lost 3 of their previous 7 games in the Premier League, and the Hammers were able to take advantage of a lack of tempo and purpose from the visitors in the final third of the pitch. The Hammers sought to keep the door closed by any means necessary holding out for another clean sheet that had the fans singing ecstatically at the final whistle.
“We deserved the three points,” said Pellegrini, and nobody could argue with that. “I am happy with everything today. We didn’t allow them to create chances and it’s another clean sheet. We are very consistent.”
Hope you enjoy my series of photos looking back at previous games at the London Stadium until I can get back in to continuing recording the games again.
A pictorial record featuring more than 1700 unseen photographs from 100 classic matches by Alan Shubrook
If you’re like me and wondering what on earth to ask for for Christmas or what to buy a Hammers fan for a present, then look no further than Alan Shubrooks’ beautifully produced book of photographs taken over an 8 year period of West Ham United’s home and away games.
As a young boy, Alans’ father would take him to see the Hammers play at Upton Park and when he became interested in photography and purchased his first single lens reflex camera, Alan decided to take photos of the matches from the stands. Caught amongst the push and shove of the packed terraces, Alan would try to capture the game, but it was not so easy and he desperately wanted to get closer to the action and join the press photographers near the pitch.
Bold enough to take an opportunity at the start of a home game, Alan walked over to where the press photographers were perched as the referee blew his whistle and eyes were fixed on the game, and embarked on an incredible journey that took him all over the country with the team to capture the highs and lows of top flight football. After this first match taking pictures near the goal, Alan went home to develop his film, anxious to find out if he had captured the game, and printed out a selection of photographs and the following morning post them to his local newspaper.
To Alan’s surprise, the photos he had taken were printed and so his journey began where Alan’s photographs that captured some of the most memorable games for the following years would be regularly printed both in the newspapers alongside match reviews and also used for the home match day programmes.
Throughout this journey Alan had a unique opportunity to capture some candid photos of the players, recording action both on the pitch but also behind the scenes, such as Frank Lampard in the ambulance after having broken his leg against Sheffield Utd on 27th April 1968. Alan, a young man full of confidence, stepped straight into the ambulance and took several shots of Lampard waiting to be taken to hospital. Following the team for 150 matches, Alan’s photos provide a detailed record of some of the most memorable games West Ham played, such as the 3-1 victory over Chelsea to move to 6th in the league on 27th January 1973. Or Ron Boyces’ testimonial on 13th November 1972. And Trevor Brookings’ hat trick against Newcastle on 6th April 1968.
There’s one match in the book where the action shots are amazing and stand out for me and that’s when West Ham played Ipswich Town away on 23rd November 1968. The shots show the physical nature of the game but demonstrate Alans craft where he managed to capture some fantastic in action shots. Hursts penalty from behind the goal, Miller leaping in the air after being brought down by Jefferson – these shots in particular looked fantastic in the newspapers after the game. The shots of Hancock, the Ipswich goal keeper, as he punches the ball illustrate the skill of Alan’s photography that help to make this book such a must have for any Hammers fan.
In the book Alan explains how he got to take these amazing photos, but also how different it was then for a photographer to record the matches, often with poor light and being limited to how many frames he could shoot. There was also the technical issue of developing the film and getting the prints sent off in time to be included in the newspaper match reviews. Alan found a very unique solution that meant he was able to travel back with the team on the train from places like Manchester and develop his film on the move. A far cry from how photographers images are now digitally uploaded during the game to be sent around the world!
Alan has scanned in 6000 images, editing them all to reveal an incredible record of the matches West Ham played, and also found some newspaper articles that were printed with his photographs from the time. Alan has researched each match to include the date and attendance figures as well as some key information and personal observations that bring the photographs to life and provide such a memorable record of West Ham United that feature legendary players such as Geoff Hurst, Trevor Brooking, Bobby Moore, Billy Bonds and many more such as Clyde Best, Frank Lampard, Martin Peters and John Sissons.
Alan agreed to be interviewed by me and spent time explaining how he took his photographs and put the book together as well as sharing some of his best memories of his time following the team and documenting their matches at both home and away games. Alan’s passion for the game, his photography and dedication to bringing these images together, encouraged by Geoff Hurst, has created a valuable record of some of the most memorable players of that time in action.
To order your copy, go to https://www.westhambook.com I chose the collectors set which includes a signed copy of the book with a dedicated personal message handwritten by Alan.
You also get set of 5 10×8 inch glossy photos from classic 1960’s and 1970’s matches. A beautiful gold foiled presentation collectors box. A numbered certificate of authentication of the limited edition. I highly recommend this to any Hammers fan, young and old, as a wonderful trip down memory lane or as an incredible record of a particular time in the history of the club.
Scott Parker was born on 13th October 1980, currently first team manager with Fulham, played as a midfielder for West Ham United for just over 4 seasons scoring 12 goals in 129 appearances.
Parker began his career at Charlton Athletic in a 0-0 draw on 23rd August 1997, coming on as a substitute. After sporadically making appearances as a substitute Scott was loaned to Norwich in the Championship before returning to Charlton and quickly returned to the first team squad replacing the injured Mark Kinsella. Parkers form was such that after recovering from injury, Kinsella could not get back into the Charlton starting line up. Parker established himself as key player with his tackling, ability to carry the ball from defence into attack and to play some telling passes that created many chances for his teammates.
Parker moved to Chelsea on a four and a half year contract for £10m fee, but the then Charlton manager, Alan Curbishley, criticised Scotts attitude following the news of Chelsea’s interest. Initially signed for cover for Claude Makelele and Frank Lampard, his time at Chelsea proved frustrating with Parker limited to League Cup appearances and then suffering a broken metatarsal. Despite only 4 league appearances Scott collected a Premier League winners medal in the 2004-05 season.
The following summer Parker was sold to Newcastle in July 2005 for £6.5m becoming a regular in the first team, showing consistency during a difficult season for the Magpie’s. But later in the season Scott was diagnosed with glandular fever, which came at a rather unfortunate time that ended any hopes Parker had to make the England squad for the upcoming 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Parker replaced the retired Alan Shearer as captain and his performances earned Scott a recall to the England squad after 2 years and led Newcastle to the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2006 before moving to West Ham United in June 2007 for £7m fee. Injuries limited Scott’s start until December 2007 where Parker scored a last minute winner in a 2-1 victory against Middlesborough.
Parker then played a major role in West Ham’s 2008-09 season earning the first of three Hammer of the Year by the clubs supporters and retained the award for the following season, which was highlighted by Scott’s winning goal against Wigan Athletic in a 3-2 victory that secured Premier League status for another season.
Scott signed a new 5 year contract in September 2010, despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, where David Sullivan stated that Parker was not for sale for any price. Considered one of the most consistent English midfielders there were calls for Scott to feature regularly for the national team. Carlton Cole praised Parkers inspirational team talk at half time when 0-3 down against West Bromwich Albion that finished 3-3 after a Hammers comeback.
Despite relegation Parkers performances throughout the season and his recall to the England squad, Scott was placed on a six player shortlist for PFA Players’ Player of the Year, but he missed out but to be voted FWA Footballer of the Year.
Parker had started the new season in the Championship playing the first four matches for West Ham, scoring against Watford on 16th August before moving to Spurs on 31st August 2011. Parker handed in a hand written transfer request saying saying “I have had a fantastic four years at West Ham United and will never forget all the support I have had from the fans and everyone associated with the club.” “The manager and board have tried hard to convince me to stay but at this stage in my career, I need to be playing in the Premier League, especially now that I am involved with England.” “I hope the fans will understand and respect my decision and I wish the club every success in their fight for promotion this season.”
Latterly Parker spoke of his time at West Ham, and despite building a close affinity with the club and its fans, the former midfielder felt it necessary to move on for the benefit of his own career after relegation in 2011, but the connection remains strong.
“It’s a fantastic football club where I had four unbelievable seasons,” Parker has said “It ended in relegation but that disappointment will not dampen the memories I take from that place. The fanbase is incredible, Upton Park was a special place, so I’ve got many fond memories.”
Parkers playing time at Spurs was again limited due to injury for the start of the 2012-13 season after being named Player of the Year in the previous year. Scott moved to Fulham on 19th August 2013 and the Cottagers were relegated to the Championship. Parker retired from playing at the end of the 2016-17 season.
Journalist William Saletan wrote ”Parker doesn’t score or get credited with assists. He leaves that to the guys up front. What Parker does instead is win games. He does this not by punctuating the match but by controlling it. He smothers oncoming attacks. He forces opponents off the ball. He orchestrates distribution out of the back, setting in motion a Spurs onslaught that will culminate 60 yards downfield … You can’t watch the game up close without noticing Parker.”
Rice recently spoke highly of Parker, believing he has the ability to mimic Parker’s style of play:
“If you look at Scott Parker and his career, I think he was so under-appreciated and he wasn’t spoken about enough, because he was actually such a top, top, top player.
“In terms of the way he played, he would rat around people, his passing ability was unbelievable and the way he used to lead the team showed he was a top player, so if I could have a career like Scott’s I’d be delighted.
“He was a fantastic player and a great person as well.”
Parker played arguable some of the best football of his career during his time at West Ham and as he hung up his boots he said:
“When was a boy I dreamt of becoming a professional football player and I feel very honoured to have accomplished my dream. I have always tried to set high standards on and off the pitch. I hope most of all throughout my career I have been a good role model not only to my sons but also to all of my teammates who played with me as well as all those who supported me.”
Continuing my series of photo highlights from previous home matches as the season continues under the COVID-19 restrictions where stadiums remain empty. I miss the opportunity to document our home games so its nice to look back at previous images.
The dramatic win at the London Stadium against a hard working Fulham side where Ademola Lookman failed to convert a last kick of the game penalty to share the spoils, we look back at a 3-1 win for the Hammers over Fulham that delivered the Cottagers 18th Premier League defeat leaving them 19th in the table on 17 points.
West Ham climbed to 9th in the table on 36 points under Pellegrini and finished the season 10th on 52 points, whilst Fulham’s miserable form under Claudi Ranieri continued as they were relegated in 19th Place on 26 points.
Controversy surrounded West Ham’s equaliser by Hernandez after Babel had put Fulham ahead on 3 mins after a bright start for the visitors as the Hammers began to get back in to the game. The Hammers capitalised on Fulham keeper Rico’s failure to clear a corner as Antoni and Ogbonna flicked on for Hernandez to head the ball home. The goal stood despite replays showing the ball had struck Hernandez on the arm and even Matthew Upson, commentating on the game, called it out as a deliberate hand ball.
Fulham never looked like getting back in to the match as Diop rose up to head home a Snodgrass corner to leave the Hammers a head at half time. The match is remembered as well for the excellent performance of Rice, who had recently declared his availability to play for England, as he kept the play ticking over with a solid defensive display with six tackles, three interceptions and regaining the ball 13 times earning Rice the man of the match award.
Rice commented that the manager had been telling him all season to protect the back four saying he loves playing in that holding role.
Hernandez was substituted by Arnautovic who drew an excellent save by Rico and provided an assist for Antonio with a chipped ball for the third goal. Lanzini made a substitute appearance after an absence from a knee injury to bring a boost to the Hammers for the rest of the season.
Back to the 7th November 2020 as the Hammers climb to 11th in the League after Soucek’s goal stood as Haller was in an offside position but deemed not to be interfering with play. Areola, the Fulham goalkeeper made some crucial saves for the Cottagers in the first 10mins of the match but with some wasted chances the Hammers patience played dividends up until the last second of the match as Lookman kicks his penalty straight at Fabianski securing all three points.
Imagine what the atmosphere would have been like in a packed stadium after that last kick of the ball with the players celebrating as Lookman, who has been one of Fulham’s better players this season, held his head in his hands!
On 29th April 2018 Manchester City came to the London Stadium to display their dominance in a season they were run away champions achieving 100 points, with Manchester United trailing in 2nd place on 81points. It was a season where the champions achieved the highest ever points tally within a season and the biggest points gap from a second placed team.
Moyes was in his first stint as the gaffer at West Ham where we finished 13th on 42 points, not enough to retain Moyes as manager in a season of few positives. A run of better results in January and 2 wins and a draw in our last three matches of the season secured our Premier League status for a 6th consecutive season after promotion in 2012.
West Ham were defeated 4-1 five times in that season and after Arsenal’s win over us the game at London Stadium against Manchester City held little hope in the final run in for the end of the season. The outcome could have easily been predicted.
The players did not graft in this match and despite Cresswell’s curled free kick beyond Ederson, a series of defensive mishaps and a Zabaleta own goal piled on the misery as Raheem Sterling inspired City towards their title and 100 league goals in 35 matches.
What a different story to the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium against a City side struggling to get started this season with just 8 points from their first 5 games. Contrast that with the Hammers achieving 8 points from their last 4 games that also include impressive wins against Wolves and Leicester and the amazing comeback from 0-3 down away to Spurs.
Antonio’s impressive over head kick to open the scoring was just another excellent moment we almost expect from a player who has transformed into a goal scoring machine since lockdown restart. Hammers had to work hard for their point with City peppering the home goal and enjoying 70% possession. In fact if you compare stats between these two matches their are very similar. City did everything except score another goal, with Foden’s equaliser the only reward.
Is this is different West Ham we are seeing this season? We can certainly enjoy talking about impressive player performances rather than soak in the misery of another poor result. We are certainly proving to be harder to beat even when we are 0-3 down away. Only time will tell but even at this early stage of the season there seem to be some very encouraging signs with a team prepared to fight for the result and hold on until the end for a point – or even to get a point with the final kick of the game.
The Hammers continued their great start to the season with a convincing 2-0 win over Manchester United at London Stadium infant of a rocking support with Yarmolenko and Cresswell both scoring goals.
Pellegrini hailed the Hammers as a more solid and consistent side as the excellent start to the 2019-20 season continued with a 2-0 home win over Manchester United. Goals from Yarmolenko and Cresswell pushed the Hammers back into 5th with only goal difference separating them from Arsenal and Leicester City.
With 12 places and 7 points separating the Hammers from where they were at the same stage last season, Yarmolenko continuing his fins start with another goal to his name, it certainly looked as if the season was going to be more fruitful for West Ham and improvements made to the team seemed to be having an impact.
4 consecutive clean sheets, Haller and Yarmolenko – who returned from injury – consolidated the promise they had shown in recent weeks. Added to that Cresswell’s superb free kick to double the lead in the second half to send the crowd roaring and singing their support for a much changed team in terms of form and approach.
The game remained on a knife edge until 84th minute free kick by Cresswell, to send the visitors home empty handed. Solskjaer named a much changed side from their midweek Europa League victory over Astana, but even with Rashford and Magic, the Reds looked lacklustre and offered very little going forward.
West Ham travelled to Oxford for the 5th round of the Carabao Cup and then to Bournemouth the following Saturday for their next Premier League match. This is where the season spectacularly unfolded for the Hammers. You would never have believed it given the start we had had.
From the Stands 