West Ham United manager delighted with League Cup win over Stoke City
West Ham United boss Avram Grant says he is pleased with his side’s 3-1 win over fellow English Premier League side Stoke City in the League Cup on Wednesday, 27 October.
The Hammers managed to put their league troubles momentarily behind them as they responded to a defeat against Newcastle United in the best possible way.
West Ham found themselves a goal behind after just six minutes when Kenwyne Jones rose to nod home the opener from a Jermaine Pennant corner.
After toiling for most of the game, Grant decided to go for broke and urged his players to keep pushing forward. The move paid dividends as Scott Parker headed an equalising goal to take the tie to extra-time, where Manuel Da Costa and Victor Obinna booked
West Ham’s place in the quarter-final.
'Reaction in second half was great'
Grant told reporters of his delight at picking up the victory. He said that: "We didn't start the game well but the reaction in the second half was great. We played well, we dominated the game, and we scored three goals.
"Even in the first half, we were playing well. We had two good chances the last 10 minutes of the first half. I thought if we continued to play like this, we would win the game.
“(At half-time) we spoke about the things that were not so good. We spoke about mentality and character, changing a little bit of the tactics. I'm very delighted because they responded. I think one of the things that we wanted to improve in the team is their
character.”
Grant also had praise for his captain, Parker, after the midfielder inspired his side to victory.
"I've spoken so much about Scott Parker. I don't think any of us can say a negative word about him. He's one of the players that you're happy to have in your team."
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