Prior to Manchester City's visit to West Ham, many wondered whether Sam Allardyce would continue with the high-energy, attacking football that led his side to fourth in the Premier League. Or would the hosts play a cautious game, returning to sitting deep and hoofing clearances?
3 things we learned from West Ham’s 2-1 surprise win over Manchester City
West Ham sit 4th, but even after beating City, can we really call them good?
It took less than a minute for the answer to arrive, in the form of a Enner Valencia shot going wide. The Ecuadorian went on to be West Ham's standout player in the first half, constantly hassling the City backline, slipping in behind and forcing Joe Hart into a save from very close range -- leaving the goalkeeper flat on his back for a couple minutes.
Despite the Irons' constant pressing, City still looked sharper. Until the goal came, that is. A beautiful through-ball from Alex Song sliced between Gael Clichy and Eliaquim Mangala, falling for Valencia. His cutback eluded a falling Pablo Zabaleta, and Morgan Amalfitano had no trouble tapping in.
City, the champions, simply deflated. Yaya Touré, mostly anonymous, put a free kick right into the wall, Sergio Agüero barely got a look in, Edin Džeko seemed confused by the offside rule. In fact it was West Ham who nearly scored the second, but James Collins was unable to connect with what should've been an easy tap.
Despite City's capitulation, Manuel Pellegrini waited until the 58th minute to make a change, bringing in Stevan Jovetic to replace Džeko. The change looked like it was about to pay off quickly, but the West Ham defense were somehow able to hold off not one but two attempts from Agüero.
The introduction of Jovetic meant David Silva was moved to a more central role, which did wonders for the coherency of City's attack. Unfortunately for the visitors, the change had no affect on the size of the goalframe. Twice City hit the post; first Agüero, then Touré.
While City mourned their luck, West Ham took advantage. A quick counter caught the City defense out, although it looked as though Hart had managed to palm away Diafra Sakho’s header before it crossed the line. Thanks to the wonder of goalline technology, however, West Ham had their second goal.
Two minutes later, David Silva finally got the ball in the net for City. The Spaniard jinxed his way past three defenders, then sent in a curving shot that barely evaded Adrian’s outstretched hand.
Allardyce couldn’t quite resist reverting to form. He’d already removed Valencia prior to Silva’s goal, with Amalfitano replaced earlier. Sakho gave way as well, replaced by Kevin Nolan. City took advantage, streaming forward, and only a fantastic save from Adrian prevented Jovetic from putting in the equalizer.
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Collins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble, Song, Amalfitano (Kouyate 67), Downing, Valencia (Cole 76), Sakho (Nolan 87)
Goals: Amalfitano 21’; Sakho 75’
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Clichy (Kolarov 78), Fernando (Milner 78), Toure, Navas, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko (Jovetic 58)
Goals: Silva 77’
Three things we learned
It’s ok to like watching West Ham
For those of us who are not West Ham fans, enjoying watching the team has often felt a bit dirty. It may have something to do with having to see close-ups of Allardyce’s face. But it’s become ok to admit you like this side. Their energetic pressing and willingness to attack make them fun, while their lingering inability to get their shots on target most of the time make them amusing.
We’re still confused by Fernando
Manchester City brought Fernando in from Porto this summer, and he’s been alternating starts with Fernandinho. The names themselves are confusing enough. But as for why Fernando got the nod today, well, it’s not really certain, particularly as he failed to do his job screening the defense against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday. There’s no doubt this City backline has its problems, but Fernando isn’t doing much to ease the burden.
It’s still difficult to declare West Ham ‘good’
They're currently tied with Southampton for third. They just beat last season's champions. They know how to attack, and although their defense may not be as solid as last season, they can score enough to make up for it. Enner Valencia is looking like a wise buy, Alex Song even more so. So why is it so hard to say they're actually a decent side? Is it because they lost to Manchester United? Or is it that Carlton Cole is still coming on as a substitute?
Do it next week at Stoke, Irons, and maybe we’ll be comfortable with this ‘good’ thing.
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