Match Report: West Ham Iron Out Home Form Against 10 Man Chelsea
Saturday saw the final clash between West Ham and Chelsea at Upton Park and it was one to be remembered — by the home support at least. West Ham had already seen wins against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City this season. The Hammers win over Chelsea this weekend ensured that they are off to their best ever start to a Premier League season after 10 games (20 points). Conversely, it is Chelsea’s worst ever start to a Premier League campaign after 10 games, managing just 11 points.
There was a frenetic pace from the moment this game kicked off. The opening 25 minutes saw 7 shots, a booking for Cesar Azpilicueta and West Ham’s first goal against Chelsea in 494 minutes. But it was the remaining 20 minutes of this half that would set the tone of the game and really encapsulate the defending champions season so far.
Kurt Zouma popped up for a header that before goal line technology was introduced, arguably would have stood as a goal. It was the closest anyone has come to scoring without actually scoring since the system was introduced. And only moments later Cesc Fàbregas put the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be incorrectly ruled offside.
Needless to say frustration, in that first half, frustration crept into the Chelsea side and Nemanja Matic made two needless challenges against a marauding West Ham side and saw himself dismissed. It was Chelsea’s third red card in the Premier League this season, as many as they had accumulated in the whole of last season. Matic’s dismissal ignited a storm of upheaval amongst the visitors. Both Fabregas and John Terry found themselves booked for questioning John Moss’ booking. While Chelsea assistant Silvino Louro was also sent off.
As the teams emerged from the tunnel at half time, it became apparent that Jose Mourinho was not with them. During the break he also received a red card and was ordered to the stands with Louro. Despite being down a goal, Chelsea opted to start the second half with Jon Obi Mikel in place of Fàbregas. Between the high drama of the first half and the introduction of Mikel, the second half began in a much more languid style.
The slower tempo suited 10-man Chelsea as they edged their way back into the game with a goal from Gary Cahill. It was his fourth against the Hammers, he has not scored more goals against any other team. But just as the visitors looked comfortable, Slaven Bilic introduced Andy Carroll’s aerail threat into the game with just 20 minutes to go. The decision paid off as Carroll popped up for what would inevitably be the winner just 10 minutes later.
The utter chaos that surrounded the sending off and Chelsea’s fifth loss of the season have overshadowed another excellent performance from Bilic’s men. While Dimitri Payet’s performance upstaged former teammate Eden Hazard, Manuel Lanzini had another outstanding game. He completed 5 successful dribbles, more than any other player on the pitch. Had 2 shots and made the goal line clearance that became the beginning of the end for Chelsea.
Heading into Saturday, West Ham were unbeaten away from home, but struggled at Upton Park managing just 1 win in 4 games. In the buildup to Saturday Bilic said “We will try to win our home games and maintain our away form, but it's more that we started sloppily in a couple of home games. At home sometimes we are playing like it's basketball and you have a limit of 24 seconds to finish your move, and you are forcing the situation too early. Away we are a little bit more patient, but at home not patient enough.” Their patience on Saturday paid off.
