Sheffield United 0 West Ham 1
The Hammers haven't won at Bramall Lane since 1968, so what could possibly go wrong? The commentator on Sky bills it as "the heavy metal derby" as it's Sheffield steel up against the Irons. We hope it isn't Sabbath Bloody Sabbath against winless United.
McBurnie twice tests Fabianski early on as Sheffield start with some energy, but slowly West Ham establish a foothold. Coufal tests Ramsdale with a hard low drive after good work by Arthur Masuaku to get the cross in. Haller is winning a few knock-ons and his header finds Soucek who pokes wide when he should score. While Bowen shoots when he should have squared to Haller. At the other end McGoldrick hits a post in a scramble but is ruled offside. It's been very 'eavy but quite 'umble fare in the first half.
West Ham take the lead in the 56th minute. Fornals drive is blocked but the ball rebounds into the path of Haller on the edge of the box. Sebastian wallops it into the top corner and still looks angry despite scoring his first ever goal from outside the box. The Irons have chances to make it two, Rice hits the bar with a header and after a fine cross from Masuaku Haller pokes a great chance wide.
The Hammers almost pay when McBurnie breaks free to fire against the crossbar. But Rice has a superb game in midfield and Ogbonna is also very solid at the back. It's almost comfortable as the Hammers hold it up by the corner flag for most of the three minutes of added time. We've been up against a bottom side struggling for confidence but it's a very creditable away performance in the sort of game we'd have lost last year. And Haller even almost smiles in the post-match interview. Irons!
4 comments:
11 points clear of the bottom three? I did not expect that with the performance against Newcastle and the run of games that were to follow! Marvellous.
Yes this was a game all set up to get the Blades back to winning ways! Good overall performance although we could have done with a second goal to settle nerves.
I daren't say it too loud but I almost felt sorry for them as we have been there so many times in the past, they looked like a second season side wondering why its not the same as first season.
Moyes does seem to have put a bit of discipline and structure into the team, Soucek and Rice are very good in midfield.
Fornels and Bowen both made mistakes but kept working hard for the whole game.
Ogbonna is excellent and playing consistently well.
Mid table ecstasy for me anyday. COYI
Agreed Cornish Postie! We're almost safe! As JackHammer says, the team are working really hard even when not having great games.
Steady! 25 points by Christmas would be good. I was ready to respect the point, so I was well pleased!
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