West Ham is trying to play at a faster pace. Birmingham City, notoriously deliberate, may be trying to bog down the Hammer midfield by switching to a 4-5-1, but that hasn't stopped Scott Parker and Gary O'Neil from continuing to push the ball through midfield, with Parker's poor decision from 24 yards out the only thing that derailed a 63rd minute counter attack. As an ensuing goal kick from Robert Green saw the `keeper put the ball down and kick before Birmingham City had even cleared the Hammer area, West Ham continued to try and up the match's tempo.
West Ham United Vs. Birmingham City: Wayne Bridge Mistake Allows Nikola Zigic To Head Brum In Front
Unfortunately for the Hammers, the upshot saw their defense exposed, something which led to Manuel da Costa having to commit a foul at the edge of his third to prevent a Birmingham City attack. The ensuing set piece led to another foul, this time from Mark Noble, deep along the Blues' right flank. The resulting set piece would give Birmingham City the lead.
Sebastian Larsson, just brought on, swung a ball in toward the far post, where West Ham's zonal marking allowed Birmingham City to match Nikola Zigic against ... Wayne Bridge, the one player on West Ham's side you don't want marking the towering Serbian. Larsson's ball delivered perfectly, Zigic had no resistance to heading the ball down and into goal, Bridge never even attempted to get ball side of his man.
With set piece converted in the 66th minute, Birmingham City has taken a 1-0 lead, a mistake from Wayne Bridge canceling-out an hour’s worth of progress from the Hammers.
See More:
