West Ham United pulled off their second big result in succession on Saturday, powering their way out of the drop zone. Andy Carroll was sent off at the hour mark, giving Swansea 30 minutes to operate against 10 men, but they were unable to do anything to make up for Carroll's positive contributions from the first half, falling 2-0 at Upton Park.
West Ham United vs. Swansea City: Final score 2-0, Andy Carroll brilliant before he sees red
It was an odd day for Andy Carroll, who assisted two goals before he was red carded. Swansea couldn’t capitalize on their spell with 10 men as West Ham held on for a win.
Carroll and Kevin Nolan looked like the pair that got Newcastle promoted to the Premier League and put together a great half-season together in the top flight on Saturday. They combined for both of West Ham's goals in typical fashion, with Carroll winning aerial challenges and Nolan capitalizing.
The first came in the 27th minute from open play, with Nolan volleying in a Carroll knockdown from 10 yards. Just before the stroke of halftime, they connected again, this time on a corner. Carroll won the ball at the back post, heading across the face of goal. There was no one marking Nolan, who had a free header to complete a brace.
Unfortunately for Carroll, his day turned around in the 59th minute when he was spotted taking a swing at Chico Flores, for which he saw a straight red card. Swansea were predictably in control from then until the end of the match, but they struggled to generate chances and West Ham had little problem holding on to secure all three points.
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