West Ham 1 Fulham 0
Well, that was eventful in the end. Along with Mystic Matt I was a TV refusnik for the £14.95 pay-per-view fee, so listened on Radio London. It was a fine start for the Hammers and Masuaku and Cresswell both forced good saves from Areola. Then Bowen had a brilliant full volley tipped over the bar by the keeper before Haller hit the bar with a towering header from a corner. Fulham had mote of the ball for the rest of the half without really threatening.
The second half was disjointed but saw Cresswell hit the bar with a free kick that Areola touched while Decordova-Reid should probably have done better with a shot that Fabianski saved. The injured Ogbonna had to be replaced by Diop and then Moyes was positively cavalier by his subbing standards, bringing on Benrahma and Lanzini after 72 minutes. Benrahma fired a couple of efforts at the keeper from the left when perhaps he should have crossed, while Lanzini added some guile to midfield.
But it looked to be heading for a goalless draw until the 91st minute when the ball was chipped into the box with Haller in an offside position. Luckily Seb didn't touch the ball and Benrahma did well to take a headed clearance and coolly set up Soucek to stroke home. Game over? No way, as the Irons retreat into their box and Fulham force a corner in the 95th minute. After a series of passes and clearances Cairney goes down in the box and Benrahma has left a foot out with a forward's challenge. Penalty to Fulham with the last kick.
LOOK MAN, I'VE FLUFFED IT
Ademola Lookman strolls up to the ball confidently and then chips a pathetic panenka into the arms of a grateful Fabianski. I'm reminded of Paulo Di Canio's poncy penalty against Aston Villa's David James when he did the same and enraged my pal DC, through Lookman's effort was far far worse. What a massive let-off, but on chances the Irons deserved a hard-fought win, despite the poor game management at the end.
After my WhatsApp message of "Worst penalty of all time!" Michael asks when we are going to sign Lookman. "When he's 33 and more injury-prone," I suggest. Meanwhile Donald Trump insists that Fulham actually scored their penalty and this game is not over. But for those of living in reality it's a welcome three points and sees the Hammers move up to 11th, even if you do have to feel bit sorry for Scott Parker. Irons!
2 comments:
Great write up as usual thanks, best penalty of all time in my book! a good result against Sheffield would be great. Playing steady and keeping out of the relegation zone is perfect for this season. COYI
That was a great ending to the game! Think Moyes is right, we have to make steady progress and well on the way to doing that. I doubt if Julian Dicks would have tried a panenka...
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