The first ten minutes, statistically, were likely to be when West Ham were most vulnerable and Chelsea most likely to score. The odd scare was dealt with but West Ham’s defence with the venerable pairing of Cresswell and Coufal as left and right centre backs along side Max Kilman came across as well drilled.
You had to fear for their pace against Nicholas Jackson but with Max Kilman covering and Wan Bissaka matching Sancho’s pace on the right, West Ham certainly looked as if they knew what their plan was in the first half an hour.
This was a strange atmosphere, a strange Chelsea – devoid of a little confidence and playing in front of a quiet, pensive crowd.
Andy Irving was greeted with olé’s from the away fans to celebrate his debut. A very difficult place to make a debut, with Edson Alvarez injured. Interesting that Potter trusted him rather than Guido Rodriguez.
Hammers first shot from Kudus came from the long diagonal ball – good running but straight at the Chelsea keeper. And then 41 minutes – Bowen back in the groove – seized on a wayward back pass and shot low into the corner. Brilliant, out for five weeks but straight back and ‘on fire’ again. Real smash and grab stuff from West Ham to take the lead.
Areola saved brilliantly from Cole Palmer just a minute later to keep Hammers’ lead intact, an absolute finger tip touch.
The concern will be that Bowen goal has stung Chelsea into action – they were far from impressive in that first half wheras West Ham looked well drilled, hitting Chelsea well on the break.
Five minutes in and Chelsea were already making changes, two substitutions. Sancho and Jackson replaced – some of the pace threat to Hammers’ ageing duo removed. Noticeable to see Andy Irving getting stuck in with some solid challenges in his first start.Gary Neville commenting how compact West Ham’s seven midfielders and defenders were, sixty minutes in and still looking organised.
An obvious foul on Bowen in the build up to Chelsea’s equaliser seemed to be completely overlooked by VAR but goal given, one – all it was. Two minutes later and Kudus’ diving header crashing against the post only served to remind everyone that the Hammers were still around and a threat.
Cole Palmer’s deflected goal came from a cross which Wan-Bissaka deflected into his own net – no justice and West Ham were behind. Good to see Orford and Scarles coming on again, despite the match situation. Kudus almost grabbed an equaliser at the death – but well blocked on the line.
Competing, hard done by, on the front foot at the end. No points – but much to be pleased with.
Just been confirmed Bournemouth have completed the signing of 18 year old striker Eli Junior Kroupi from FC Lorient. He will return to the Liique 2 club for the rest of the season on loan.
Stuart Attwell? What a poor evenings work you had.
Not just the Bowen foul, but for allowing Chelsea’s central midfielders to get away with repeated fouling, deliberate manhandling off the ball.
You have to wonder who/how much he wanted Chelsea to win?
A closet Blue.
Despite the defeat am still happy with the way we now play football, I am sure that Potter will gradually replace all these players that aren’t fit enough to go for 90+ minutes, Emerson, Coufal, Cresswell, Ings, Soler, Irving, Areola can all be sold and replaced with players under 23, Scarles looked good again, Kudus is returning to form, Bowen looked rusty and styill the nest finisher on the pitch, Guillherme looked lively which was another plus and even though I think the old guard need replacing can’t fault them for effort applied COYI !!!
I’m not a good loser especially when we should of got something from that game …but with the players out thought we did OK…..but you get fk all for effort and doing ok …I take it our window is over as well???