Post match review vs hull

After an embarrassing defeat to Southampton at home, West Ham had their first game outside London at Fa cup runners up Hull City. Both sides have done well in the transfer window and are looking for a top ten finish.

                           

FT Score 2-2

Goals: Hull (Hernandez, Diame) West Ham (Valencia, Sakho)

A very interesting game no matter who you are, four goals, lots of new signings on display and a great game of football. Despite only getting a point from the game there was some really encouraging  play from both sides with new signings fitting in from the start, most notably with goals from high cost signings Hernandez and Valencia. 

West ham looked a different team to the side that played Southampton with some clear attacking intent from the manager. That's right Big Sam played three strikers!!!! This seemed odd and may have been requested from the board, as before the game Allardyce said that he would never play two strikers upfront, unless he had the best players in the league! Maybe he just has a lot of faith in Valencia and Sakho. Nevertheless a change of formation led to a very positive performance from the Hammers. 

First half 

The game was hectic from the start with lots of pressure from Hull within the first five minutes. West Ham seemed to deal with the pressure and then forced opportunities to break away and hit Hull on the counter. The game seemed end to end but neither side managed a shot on target until the 30th minute. As the hammers looked to be picking up pace a 39th minute opener from new boy Hernandez gave Hull the lead and put fear into hammers fans worldwide. A well placed cross into the box was met by a powerful header well out of reach of Adrian. 1-0 Hull. Just a few minutes later everyone thought it was 2-0 when another great shot from Hernandez crashed against the bar and Jelavic was there to tap in a rebound but he was ruled offside PHEW! West ham continued to attack with Downing, Sahko and Zarate all looking positive but couldn't convert before half time.

Second half

What a start to the second half! Just five minutes after the break Enner Valencia scores one of the goals of the season with a great strike from 25 yards! 1-1 game on! We seemed to be moving better as a team with good chances for Valencia, Sakho and Downing. Despite our efforts a poor throw in the 62nd minute lead to a goal by GUESS WHO! Diame, after leaving the club a week before scores Hulls second 2-1 Hull. Amazingly we hit back instantly when a great move led to a Sahko shot being deflected into the Hull net 2-2! What a game! In the last minute of the game Valencia thought he'd won it when his header from the back post looked a certain goal but Dawson was on the line to chest it onto the bar and over so close but full time!

FT 2-2