Before the game I really didn’t fancy us for the win for some reason! I was in The Sportsman before the game as usual and checked the team and wasn’t too sure with the selection with Jones was playing left back because of Reid at right back. I was then worried that Jarvis would rip Reid apart and so it proved. I would have preferred Brunt going left back and Jones at right which is how we ended up playing after Reid had to go off injured!
The Game
I felt West Ham started the better of the two teams and was end to end for majority of the first half. But it was us that took the lead as the recalled Berahino converted Morgan Amalfitano’s cross-come-shot from close range, under pressure from Guy Demel.
The goal resulted from combative play by Youssouf Mulumbu in the middle of the park as he robbed Carroll before setting Stephane Sessegnon off on a powerful run.
Foster came to the rescue for us in the 19th minute as Carroll headed Mohamed Diame’s back-post cross goalwards and the England goalkeeper did well to fling himself to his right and claw it out with one hand.
Just after, Amalfitano swing in a cross and Billy Jones had a free header but somehow headed wide of the goal! It was quite an exciting game first half and could have been 3-3 at half time. Mel was forced into a change at the end of the first half as Reid limped out of the action. It prompted a reshuffle in the Albion line-up as James Morrison came on in central midfield, Dorrans moved to the left wing, Brunt dropped to left-back and Jones switched to right-back.
After the break
I felt a second goal would really kill West Ham off and we wouldn’t need anymore compared to recent games. I felt we were the better side by a great deal second half with West Ham not causing us many problems untill Carroll head a free header that cannoned off the bar and out for a goal kick.
Albion were presented with three great opportunities to score a second in the 62nd minute. Berahino first stumbled on the ball from Sessegnon’s pass, with the goal at his mercy. Sessegnon retrieved the ball and again found Berahino, who this time saw his first-time shot from eight yards saved by Adrian, before Dorrans nodded the rebound for Sessegnon to volley over from 12 yards.
Mel made another change with Anichebe coming on for the tiring Sessegnon, who I felt should have come off 10 minutes earlier than he did. I felt we needed the ball to stick a little more up top and Big Vic offers us that option although it was a good performance from Sess. Big Vic managed to hold majority of the West Ham outfield players off to ensure we claimed a massive win!
On reflection
I think it was a deserved three points and we looked really dangerous going forward with Sessegnon and Berahino. Also cannot believe the performances of Graham Dorrans. I am not a huge fan of the Scot but I must admit I have been really impressed with him lately. I also think Dawson had his best game in a Baggies shirt ! My winning streak of the match report carries on with 3 out of 3!
COME ON YOU BAGGIES.
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