The big news is that Fraser, Nigel and myself are all sporting West Ham Christmas jumpers, perhaps a case of three unwise men. Michael the Whovian is at home with Covid and his ticket has gone to my daughter Lola, whose last game was the 5-1 defeat to Newcastle. Up against an out of form United, what could possibly go wrong?
The first half is poor. Emerson has an early shot saved but both sides lack rhythm. Late on Kudus's poor back pass sees a chance created for Garnacho, who fires against Areola in a one-on-one. Antony sends over a dangerous cross. The Fonz then has a wobble as he fumbles Mainoo's tame effort wide of the post.
Nigel eats his lucky banana at half-time in an attempt to inspire the lads. It's hard to get an atmosphere going for a 12.30pm kick-off but the West Han fans respond as the side improves in the second half. Bowen's header from a corner is athletically tipped over by Onana.
It's two six minutes later when Mainoo lets the ball roll under his foot and Paqueta sends the gift through to Kudus, Mo still has two defenders in front of him but expertly fires into the corner. Then he sits on the hoardings. Matt thinks it will be a long journey back to Surrey for the Man United fans. Another plus is the clean sheet and a decent game from Mavropanos alongside Zouma.
So it's thirty points for the Hammers and some vindication for the weakened side at Anfield. Merry Christmas, one and all!
PLAYER RATINGS: Areola 7; Coufal 6, Zouma 7, Mavropanos 7 Emerson 7; Soucek 6, Paqueta 8, Alvarez 7, Ward-Prowse 6; Bowen 8 (Fornals n/a), Kudus 8 (Johnson n/a).
2 comments:
Thanks Pete, great game even though it was inspired with Nigel's lucky half time banana! have a great Christmas and thanks for your humorous write ups for the hammers ( who have to be safe now? )
Glad to be of service, Jack. That lucky banana made all the difference.
Post a Comment