With 15 minutes to go and West Ham chasing Birmingham City's 1-0 lead, Avram Grant's used his final substitution to make another like-for-like swap. Earlier in the half, Carlton Cole was brought on for Frederic Piquionne, with Manuel da Costa's halftime inclusion West Ham's first change. Now, Demba Ba will make his Hammers debut, having come over last month from Hoffenheim. Off is Robbie Keane.
West Ham United Vs. Birmingham City: Avram Grant’s Last Change Another Like-For-Like
While Ba gives West Ham a more physical and athletic option than the veteran Irishman, it does little to change the fundamentals of the match. West Ham has not been able to meaningfully and consistently threaten Birmingham City, and with the Blues having crafted a late, the Hammers will have to hope an ineffective approach can prove more productive as their opponent becomes more conservative.
Early, a shot from Ba showed this may happen, the attacker’s shot nailing the right upright. But although West Ham is playing with more energy and intent, they still haven’t found a proven way to break the Blues.
The first half entries of Gary O’Neil into the right of the box have stopped, with the Hammers playing very direct in these last minutes. If a goal is coming, it’s difficult to see from where.
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