Saturday, October 14

A merited point after Carroll's catastrophe

Burnley 1 West Ham 1

It's always disappointing to concede an equaliser with five minutes to go, but in the circumstances this was a decent away point. Down to ten men after Andy Carroll's dismissal on 27 minutes, West Ham defended stoutly until Wood scored with a fine header. There was perhaps a little debate about Carroll's first booking for use of the elbow, but to jump again with his elbow out 99 seconds later jumping for a ball he didn't have to win was stupid and probably cost the Hammers all three points. It was, as Pablo Zabaleta called it, "a nasty challenge", while the incident was in midfield where it wasn't that vital he won the ball.

The Irons got lucky when Gudmundsson hit the post and the ball rolled into Hart's arms, but WHU also created some chances on the break even when down to ten men, with Antonio forcing a great save after a lovely move involving Lanzini and Hernandez. Credit to Antonio early on for reacting sharply to take the ball round Pope after Mee misjudged Hart's punt and put the Hammers ahead. Good to see him get his first goal of the season. 

At least West Ham are now unbeaten in two and if they can get a result against Brighton that run will be extended. But indiscipline is costing West Ham and Bilic was right to criticise Andy Carroll after the match, who as an experienced professional should not have let his teammates down.

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