West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
West Ham welcome Chelsea to the Olympic Stadium as they look to derail their opponent's charge for the title. Having seen Tottenham defeat Everton to cut the gap to 7 points, Chelsea will undoubtedly be keen to come away from East London with a win and regain their 10 point gap at the top. But West Ham have gone through a mini resurgence of late, and the power of Andy Carroll up front may pose the Chelsea defence a number of problems. If he were to exploit the lack of physical presence that Cesar Azpilicueta has at his disposal; Chelsea could be in trouble.
After an abysmal start to the season, West Ham have regained their form and now find themselves comfortably in mid table with 33 points. Although the threat of relegation has all but disappeared, The Hammers will want to keep putting points on the board in hope of making a late charge for a European spot. However, the odds are firmly stacked against them. Their home form is dubious at best, and they've been on the wrong end of a number of hammerings at the Olympic Stadium; including 5-0 and 4-0 losses to Manchester City and a 5-1 loss at the hands of Arsenal.
Pundit's match predictions: (1 point for correct winner and 1 point for correct result)
1) James Stroud (Charlton fan - 3 points): 1-4 to Chelsea, Chelsea have been unstoppable this season and they will have no problems exploiting a West Ham defence who have not performed at their best at home.
2=) James Rolt (Chelsea fan - 2 points): 2-1 to West Ham, Andy Carroll up against Azpilicueta at the back post is a major worry for Chelsea.
2=) James Kaye (Arsenal fan - 2 points): 2-2 draw, Chelsea will dig themselves out of a hole and break West Ham hearts as they equalise late on through Costa.
2=) David Stroud (Chelsea fan - 2 points): 1-1 draw, Chelsea will struggle to break down the home side and will only come away from the Olympic Stadium with a point.
2=) Jordan Parslow (Manchester United fan - 2 points): 1-3 to Chelsea, without Antonio West Ham lack both goals and assists in their ranks.
6=) Luke Marsh (Manchester United fan - 1 point): 2-1 to West Ham, West Ham get their big night at the Olympic Stadium as Carroll and Lanzini open up the title race a little.
6=) Adrian Ross (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 1-2 to Chelsea, a header early on from Carroll will give the home side an early lead, but Chelsea will eventually prevail through goals from Costa and Hazard.
Although West Ham are the underdogs, our pundits are mixed when it comes to their fortunes and Rolt and Marsh both think they will be able to secure the 3 points against their London rivals. However, they will have to defy the odds if they are to do so. Not only is their home form poor, but Chelsea have the second best away record in the league. Moreover, in their last 21 games against each other, Chelsea have prevailed in 15 of those, with 4 draws and 2 West Ham wins. So both the form book and history point to a comfortable Chelsea victory, but will West Ham be able to defy the odds and derail Chelsea's title credentials?
The teams lined up as follows:
West Ham: Randolph, Kouyate, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell, Noble, Obiang, Feghouli Lanzini, Snodgrass, Carroll
Subs: Adrian, Collins, Ayew, Byram, Masuaku, Calleri, Fernandes
Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill. Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Alonso, Pedro, Costa, Hazard
Subs: Begovic, Zouma, Loftus-Cheek, Matic, Willian, Batshuayi, Terry
Kick off:
In truth, the first 25 minutes were very dull. In this period there were no shots on target. Neither keeper had anything to do. It was a complete stalemate and both defences were superior. My 1-4 prediction was looking very unlikely.
Perhaps surprisingly in the first 25 minutes, West Ham were having much of the ball and seemed camped just outside the Chelsea box for much of this time period. They looked as if they were trying to use Carroll's aerial threat to their advantage, but the Chelsea defence were doing well to nullify his threat.
But suddenly Chelsea burst into life and a devastating counter attack saw them take the lead. Arguably the best midfielder in the league, N'golo Kante, started the move as he intercepted the ball in his own half and drove forward. He found Hazard, and the Belgian's quick one-two with Pedro released him one on one with Randolph. The classy winger was coolness personified as he rounded the keeper, and with the goal at his mercy he completed the easy task of rolling the ball into the back of the net. (0-1)
Did that goal open the floodgates? Did either keeper have to make a save following on from the goal? Not for another 15 minutes. Minutes 26-40 were a complete replica of the opening 25 with no attacking flair on display.
But just like the first goal, Chelsea countered and it nearly proved costly again for West Ham. Hazard had space down the left, but his ball across was behind Costa and it looked like a big chance had gone begging. But steaming in at the back post came Moses, and first Cresswell threw his body on the line to block the Nigerian's goal bound effort before Randolph did well to prevent Pedro from putting in the rebound.
Minutes before the end of the half Chelsea looked to have caught West Ham on the break again, but the home side just about got enough bodies back to prevent Alonso from having a clear shot at goal. That was the last chance of the half and Chelsea would go into the break with a 1 goal advantage.
Half Time: (0-1)
The first 40 minutes of that game were dreadful. Chelsea had taken the lead through a superb counter attack, but had flattered to deceive for much of the first half. However, they were looking much more dangerous in the final 5 minutes, and could have found themselves 2 goals up had Hazard's ball across not been behind the unmarked Costa.
West Ham had most of the possession in the first half but could not test Courtois in the Chelsea goal. Their only opportunity came through the boot of Lanzini but his effort flew high and wide. They had been trying to use Carroll's physical presence to their advantage, but Chelsea had nullified West Ham's aerial threat with ease. However with just 1 goal separating the sides this game was far from finished.
But West Ham's task became harder as they found themselves 2 goals down with just 5 minutes played in the second half. A Chelsea corner was accidentally flicked on by Obiang, and the ball fortunately fell the way of Costa who diverted the ball in the back of the net via a touch off his knee. (0-2)
Chelsea were in the groove now and could have had a third shortly after. Alonso showed great feet to beat his man and get into the box, but Reid was just able to put him off and thus the Spaniard's shot bounced harmlessly wide.
But West Ham were still a threat and they could have had a goal of their own on the hour mark. Snodgrass did well to get to the byline and his cross found Carroll unmarked in the box, but he could only scuff his volley into the ground. However the ball fell to Feghouli. but he looked on in anguish as Moses blocked his effort on the line.
However the attack was not over. The ball got tossed back into the box via the boot of Reid and Fonte leaped the highest, but his powerful header went narrowly wide.
That was the best West Ham had produced all night, but they could not take their chance when it was given to them and thus were frustrated that they were not rewarded with a goal for their efforts.
Chelsea were looking to put the game beyond all doubt and could have done so when Costa turned and shot in the box, but Randolph produced a world class save to keep the deficit to two goals.
With time expiring West Ham needed some inspiration from somewhere. They were looking flat in attack and Chelsea's dominance was showing; and the away side had another chance to extend their advantage but Fabregas wasted his opportunity from outside the box.
West Ham would get a goal back, but it would prove to be only a consolation. Ayew found space and he set up Lanzini with a clear cut opportunity, and the Argentinian would make no mistake as his strike whistled past Courtois and into the back of the net. (1-2)
Full Time: 1-2
Despite conceding late on Chelsea had done enough to earn the win and had avoided a potential banana skin along the way. They looked superior to West Ham throughout the second half and you would say they had just done enough to earn the victory. They extend their advantage to 10 points at the top with 66 points.
West Ham don't have much to play for anymore this season and this result all but confirms they will finish in mid-table. The result was probably expected, but they would be disappointed they were not able to test Courtois in the Chelsea goal more than they did. They remain in 11th place with 33 points.
Player Ratings:
West Ham: Randolph(7) Kouyate(6) Fonte(6) Reid(6) Cresswell(6) Noble(5) Obiang(6) Feghouli(6) Lanzini(7) Snodgrass(6) Carroll(5)
Subs: Ayew(6) Byram(5) Fernandes(5)
Chelsea: Courtois(6) Azpilicueta(7) Luiz(8) Cahill(7) Moses(7) Fabregas(7) Kante(8) Alonso(7) Pedro(7) Costa(7) Hazard(8)
Subs: Zouma(5) Matic(6) Willian(5)
Man of the match: N'golo Kante
Honourable mention: Eden Hazard
After an abysmal start to the season, West Ham have regained their form and now find themselves comfortably in mid table with 33 points. Although the threat of relegation has all but disappeared, The Hammers will want to keep putting points on the board in hope of making a late charge for a European spot. However, the odds are firmly stacked against them. Their home form is dubious at best, and they've been on the wrong end of a number of hammerings at the Olympic Stadium; including 5-0 and 4-0 losses to Manchester City and a 5-1 loss at the hands of Arsenal.
Pundit's match predictions: (1 point for correct winner and 1 point for correct result)
1) James Stroud (Charlton fan - 3 points): 1-4 to Chelsea, Chelsea have been unstoppable this season and they will have no problems exploiting a West Ham defence who have not performed at their best at home.
2=) James Rolt (Chelsea fan - 2 points): 2-1 to West Ham, Andy Carroll up against Azpilicueta at the back post is a major worry for Chelsea.
2=) James Kaye (Arsenal fan - 2 points): 2-2 draw, Chelsea will dig themselves out of a hole and break West Ham hearts as they equalise late on through Costa.
2=) David Stroud (Chelsea fan - 2 points): 1-1 draw, Chelsea will struggle to break down the home side and will only come away from the Olympic Stadium with a point.
2=) Jordan Parslow (Manchester United fan - 2 points): 1-3 to Chelsea, without Antonio West Ham lack both goals and assists in their ranks.
6=) Luke Marsh (Manchester United fan - 1 point): 2-1 to West Ham, West Ham get their big night at the Olympic Stadium as Carroll and Lanzini open up the title race a little.
6=) Adrian Ross (Chelsea fan - 1 point): 1-2 to Chelsea, a header early on from Carroll will give the home side an early lead, but Chelsea will eventually prevail through goals from Costa and Hazard.
Although West Ham are the underdogs, our pundits are mixed when it comes to their fortunes and Rolt and Marsh both think they will be able to secure the 3 points against their London rivals. However, they will have to defy the odds if they are to do so. Not only is their home form poor, but Chelsea have the second best away record in the league. Moreover, in their last 21 games against each other, Chelsea have prevailed in 15 of those, with 4 draws and 2 West Ham wins. So both the form book and history point to a comfortable Chelsea victory, but will West Ham be able to defy the odds and derail Chelsea's title credentials?
The teams lined up as follows:
West Ham: Randolph, Kouyate, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell, Noble, Obiang, Feghouli Lanzini, Snodgrass, Carroll
Subs: Adrian, Collins, Ayew, Byram, Masuaku, Calleri, Fernandes
Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill. Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Alonso, Pedro, Costa, Hazard
Subs: Begovic, Zouma, Loftus-Cheek, Matic, Willian, Batshuayi, Terry
Kick off:
In truth, the first 25 minutes were very dull. In this period there were no shots on target. Neither keeper had anything to do. It was a complete stalemate and both defences were superior. My 1-4 prediction was looking very unlikely.
Perhaps surprisingly in the first 25 minutes, West Ham were having much of the ball and seemed camped just outside the Chelsea box for much of this time period. They looked as if they were trying to use Carroll's aerial threat to their advantage, but the Chelsea defence were doing well to nullify his threat.
But suddenly Chelsea burst into life and a devastating counter attack saw them take the lead. Arguably the best midfielder in the league, N'golo Kante, started the move as he intercepted the ball in his own half and drove forward. He found Hazard, and the Belgian's quick one-two with Pedro released him one on one with Randolph. The classy winger was coolness personified as he rounded the keeper, and with the goal at his mercy he completed the easy task of rolling the ball into the back of the net. (0-1)
Did that goal open the floodgates? Did either keeper have to make a save following on from the goal? Not for another 15 minutes. Minutes 26-40 were a complete replica of the opening 25 with no attacking flair on display.
But just like the first goal, Chelsea countered and it nearly proved costly again for West Ham. Hazard had space down the left, but his ball across was behind Costa and it looked like a big chance had gone begging. But steaming in at the back post came Moses, and first Cresswell threw his body on the line to block the Nigerian's goal bound effort before Randolph did well to prevent Pedro from putting in the rebound.
Minutes before the end of the half Chelsea looked to have caught West Ham on the break again, but the home side just about got enough bodies back to prevent Alonso from having a clear shot at goal. That was the last chance of the half and Chelsea would go into the break with a 1 goal advantage.
Half Time: (0-1)
The first 40 minutes of that game were dreadful. Chelsea had taken the lead through a superb counter attack, but had flattered to deceive for much of the first half. However, they were looking much more dangerous in the final 5 minutes, and could have found themselves 2 goals up had Hazard's ball across not been behind the unmarked Costa.
West Ham had most of the possession in the first half but could not test Courtois in the Chelsea goal. Their only opportunity came through the boot of Lanzini but his effort flew high and wide. They had been trying to use Carroll's physical presence to their advantage, but Chelsea had nullified West Ham's aerial threat with ease. However with just 1 goal separating the sides this game was far from finished.
But West Ham's task became harder as they found themselves 2 goals down with just 5 minutes played in the second half. A Chelsea corner was accidentally flicked on by Obiang, and the ball fortunately fell the way of Costa who diverted the ball in the back of the net via a touch off his knee. (0-2)
Chelsea were in the groove now and could have had a third shortly after. Alonso showed great feet to beat his man and get into the box, but Reid was just able to put him off and thus the Spaniard's shot bounced harmlessly wide.
But West Ham were still a threat and they could have had a goal of their own on the hour mark. Snodgrass did well to get to the byline and his cross found Carroll unmarked in the box, but he could only scuff his volley into the ground. However the ball fell to Feghouli. but he looked on in anguish as Moses blocked his effort on the line.
However the attack was not over. The ball got tossed back into the box via the boot of Reid and Fonte leaped the highest, but his powerful header went narrowly wide.
That was the best West Ham had produced all night, but they could not take their chance when it was given to them and thus were frustrated that they were not rewarded with a goal for their efforts.
Chelsea were looking to put the game beyond all doubt and could have done so when Costa turned and shot in the box, but Randolph produced a world class save to keep the deficit to two goals.
With time expiring West Ham needed some inspiration from somewhere. They were looking flat in attack and Chelsea's dominance was showing; and the away side had another chance to extend their advantage but Fabregas wasted his opportunity from outside the box.
West Ham would get a goal back, but it would prove to be only a consolation. Ayew found space and he set up Lanzini with a clear cut opportunity, and the Argentinian would make no mistake as his strike whistled past Courtois and into the back of the net. (1-2)
Full Time: 1-2
Despite conceding late on Chelsea had done enough to earn the win and had avoided a potential banana skin along the way. They looked superior to West Ham throughout the second half and you would say they had just done enough to earn the victory. They extend their advantage to 10 points at the top with 66 points.
West Ham don't have much to play for anymore this season and this result all but confirms they will finish in mid-table. The result was probably expected, but they would be disappointed they were not able to test Courtois in the Chelsea goal more than they did. They remain in 11th place with 33 points.
Player Ratings:
West Ham: Randolph(7) Kouyate(6) Fonte(6) Reid(6) Cresswell(6) Noble(5) Obiang(6) Feghouli(6) Lanzini(7) Snodgrass(6) Carroll(5)
Subs: Ayew(6) Byram(5) Fernandes(5)
Chelsea: Courtois(6) Azpilicueta(7) Luiz(8) Cahill(7) Moses(7) Fabregas(7) Kante(8) Alonso(7) Pedro(7) Costa(7) Hazard(8)
Subs: Zouma(5) Matic(6) Willian(5)
Man of the match: N'golo Kante
Honourable mention: Eden Hazard
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