The first signs of life from Wayne Bridge came in the first minute of stoppage time. Previously known as the guy who stood there while Birmingham City built their changes down their right, West Ham's left back took a ball played along the back line in minute 45+1, turned up the pitch from just inside his own half, and went on a run that would see put in a decent ball at 17 yards from touch.
West Ham United Vs. Birmingham City: Robbie Keane Miss Sees Teams Into Half Scoreless
More of a squared pass than a textbook cross, Bridge's first contribution found Robbie Keane. The striker's first touch came off his right foot and sent Martin Jiranek the wrong way, giving the newest Hammer an open chance from 16 yards. The ball, however, was bouncing and on Keane's bad foot, leading to a left-footed shot going well over the bar, the last play before halftime.
In the moments leading to West Ham's chance, the Hammers twice appealed to Chris Foy for hand balls, neither of which were convincing cases. The first appeal came after right back Lars Jacobsen flicked a pass into Liam Ridgewell's right arm, the Birmingham defender's arm never moving not having a chance to move, the ball being only two feet from him as it was played. The second appeal came when a Victor Obinna shot hit the right side of Roger Johnson's body, creating an appeal that had even less reason to be heard.
At halftime, the score is 0-0, with the goalkeepers proven irrelevant. West Ham, thanks to the work for their midfield, look the more capable side, but neither team is creating meaningful chances. Each manager should look to make tactical changes at intermission.
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