Another Three Points Cemented Against Sunderland

Nuno Espírito Santo was given an early birthday present by his West Ham United squad as they built on their win away at fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur last weekend by picking up another three points as newly-promoted Sunderland arrived in Stratford for Saturday’s early kick-off.

The only changes made to the matchday squad were on the bench, as El Hadji Malick Diouf was back involved, following his winning return from the Africa Cup of Nations, while midfielder James Ward-Prowse featured for the first time since September 20, as he replaced Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Igor Julio.

After promotion was confirmed for the Black Cats, few would have thought that they would have adjusted to life in the Premier League as well as they have done but, under the stewardship of Frenchman Régis Le Bris, they have thrived and went close early on, when home goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made a superb save to keep out Noah Sadiki.

It must have been a good week at Rush Green, following that success in North London as the home side started this game well too. Areola’s save was crucial, as the hosts created several opportunities before going in front with only fourteen minutes gone. Captain Jarrod Bowen eased past Reinildo Mandava and crossed. Crysencio Summerville met the delivery and rose above Nordi Mukiele to send a thumping header past a helpless Robin Roefs.

Although they had a decent opportunity to open the scoring, the visitors couldn’t cope with the pressure that they were being put under, which meant that they were certainly not at their best here. Areola wasn’t troubled when stand-in captain Trai Hume tried his luck but his effort only landed on top of the net.

There was then action at both ends and Espírito Santo’s men were fortunate that Dan Ballard also made a hash of his attempt, before the Irons wrestled control back and Pablo Felipe then had a chance when he received possession from Bowen but unfortunately, he couldn’t finish.

On twenty eight minutes, the Irons were given the chance to increase their advantage when referee Thomas Bramall awarded them a penalty after a foul by Hume on youngster Oliver Scarles. Lucas Paquetá has taken all of the penalties that West Ham have had this season but, with the Brazilian not on the pitch, it was left to the skipper to take responsibility from the spot. Thankfully, he made no mistake and beat Roefs.

Just before the break, the East Londoners stretched their advantage further. Bramall awarded a free-kick and subsequently booked Mandava for bringing down Bowen. Valentín Castellanos had his shot blocked but thankfully, it fell back to Mateus Fernandes and the midfielder struck a long-range shot, which Roefs had no chance with.

Even if the visitors got one back in the second-half, the way they were conducting themselves, there was little chance of reducing this deficit. Having said that though, the home fans were not only relieved that they had such a lead, they were loving it and cheered their team off at half-time.

The home faithful would have wanted to see more goals, but they knew that the pressure was all on their opponents. On the other hand, Le Bris wasn’t happy with his team’s performance in the opening forty five minutes and brought on three substitutions including Habib Diarra.

The home side were able to prevent their opponents from finding a way back into the game until the sixty sixth minute but, they were powerless to stop Diarra and Mukiele from playing in Brian Brobbey, who beat Areola spectacularly.

The Hammers’ Head-Coach then made a double substitution, which broke up the play as he introduced Diouf in place of Scarles, while Felipe made way for Callum Wilson.

Five more minutes had passed when the Portuguese decided to throw another new face into the fray as Freddie Potts came on for Castellanos.

With time running out, Sunderland suddenly clicked into gear and were applying late pressure in the hope that they could reduce the arrears once again. Le Bris turned to his bench with seven minutes of normal time remaining and Luke O’Nien was thrown on for Mukiele.

Just minutes after O’Nien’s introduction, he tested Areola. He mis-hit a cross, which the Frenchman did well to save.

As the game ticked over into stoppage time, Fernandes went close to his second goal of the game and another from long-range. Well, he almost achieved it. However, on this occasion, his shot hit the underside of the bar. Some of the crowd thought that Bramall had indicated that the ball had crossed the line but instead, he pointed for a free-kick.

With seconds to play, West Ham made their final change, as Max Kilman replaced Summerville. It would be fair to say that the latest change didn’t go down too well with the ever-loyal fan base.

Nevertheless, the home faithful were delighted with the effort that their players had shown throughout the encounter and, like a week ago, celebrations could begin at the final whistle.

After finally getting a result in a London derby last weekend, the Irons will want to do the same in their next game, as they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early evening kick-off.