An own goal from Craig Dawson at the start of the second half was the difference, as Manchester United beat West Ham 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday evening. This win kept United in second place, as they battle for Champions League football. Defeat for the Hammers sees them stay fifth in the table, however they do have a game in hand on the teams above.
In a fixture dominated by United, West Ham failed to show any promise going forward until Lanzini and Benrahma were brought on just after the 60th minute.
A Performance Worth Praise
With West Ham staying tight, compact and defensively resolute, it was the 53rd minute before United finally broke the deadlock. Bruno Fernandes delivered in a corner and under pressure from Scott McTominay, Dawson headed past Fabianski into his own net to give United the advantage.
West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski performed well, making several good saves to keep his side in the tie. The Hammers would have been on the end of a much heavier defeat were it not for the Polish stopper. United created several chances, with both Rashford and Greenwood going close.
West Ham’s set up proved a challenge for United to break down. Solskjaer’s men were hardly breathtaking in the first half, as they were frustrated by the Hammers defence.
However, that will not matter to United supporters as victory against West Ham saw them move to 13 games unbeaten. United travel to Milan on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League last sixteen tie, they also have the FA Cup quarter final to contend against Leicester City on Sunday.
Top Six Struggles
Despite West Ham’s excellent form this season, they have struggled at times against some of the top six sides. There is the belief that West Ham can set up negatively against the top clubs and show opponents too much respect. After the introduction of Lanzini and Benrahma, just after the hour mark, West Ham looked a lot better and more likely to create chances. Some supporters will be left questioning why the two were not in the starting eleven.
Moyes’ men never looked likely to hurt United’s defence. West Ham remain winless away from home against Manchester United in their last seventeen attempts, in a record extending back to 2007. Moyes’ side’s creativity was certainly hampered by losing Fornals to injury. Additionally, in form Jesse Lingard was of course unable to play against his parent club.
Looking Ahead
With West Ham remaining fifth, and in a strong position in the league table, they play Arsenal next in a London derby. The Hammers will be hoping for revenge against Mikel Arteta’s men after a 2-1 defeat earlier in the season – a fixture that the Hammers arguably should have won. The Irons will be hoping for a positive result this weekend, as they remain in pursuit of a top six finish.
