West Ham Completed a 3-1 win over City Rivals, Fulham, as Carlton Cole, for the first time, scored twice in one game in the Premier League.
It was the home side that took the lead in the first half through Aaron Hughes. Cole got the Hammers level and Frederic Piquionne gave West Ham the Lead. Carlton Cole completed the win with a 3rd in the 2nd half.
Carlton Cole continued his good form; the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 player had been in good touch in recent games and has found a new found enthusiasm. He had been trying hard to get a regular place in the team in the early part of the season, but now has scored 4
goals in last 4 weeks.
He was also on the score sheet twice when West Ham completed the memorable 4-0 win over Manchester United in the Carling Cup. However the 3 points earned from this performance in the Premier League may go a long way towards shaping the season for West Ham.
This was the first away win for West Ham in the league since August 2009. Moreover it would also mean that under the scanner manager, Avram Grant, may be given more time by the bosses to improve the team’s standing.
West Ham may have got a big boost from the win, but, on the other hand, Fulham have gone further into trouble after yet another defeat. In general, the possession game from Fulham was not bad, but it was the cutting edge needed in the final 3rd
that was not there. Now Fulham are in the bottom 3.
In simple terms, Carlton Cole was the big difference between 2 London teams, who started the match with just 2 wins in the league this season.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193 Murphy was probably the best Fulham player, but he plays in the midfield and there was no one to make use of the numerous chances that he created throughout the game. However, when Fulham had taken the lead, it did look as if things would finally turn
around for the Cottagers but it was not to be.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carlos-Salcido-c8533 got on the end of a well crafted cross from Danny Murphy and his shot was sent out for a corner. The ball was drifted in from the side by Simon Davies, and Hughes got to the end of it to make it one nil.
Clint Dempsey also had his fair share of chances but was ineffective in front of the goal when it mattered.
West Ham were helped greatly when Freddie Sears sent in a cross and Etuhu flicked it straight in the path of Cole, who made no mistake and slotted it home to level the score. Cole had another chance soon to take the lead but his shot was palmed away by Mark
Schwarzer. From the corner, Scott Parker sent in a neat cross and Piquionne headed it in to make it 2-1.
Carlton Cole was certainly in his elements and looked determined to get another one. He continued to press hard. His efforts were rewarded when he made a surging run into the Fulham box; after receiving the ball he powered his way through the defence and
a left footed shot went fizzing past the keeper and into the net. The game was done right then- 3-1 it was and West Ham had secured a much needed away win that had eluded them for 16 months.
Even though West Ham still are in the relegation zone, the new found confidence may help them kick-start their game in the Christmas season.
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