Blackburn Rovers 1 Irons 5
And still Diafra Sakho to come …..!
That was my first reaction following a victory as classy and complete a victoty as we are likely to see from our team and yes I can hear the reminders now from the cynical that it was only Blackburn Rovers.
But to score five goals – of the highest quality – against any team does, as anyone who has played the game knows, takes some doing.
And to see Manu and his mate Dimi together again causing havoc was a joy as the Irons passed and created their way past the ever diminishing reserves of energy and ability of the Championship side.
Michael Owen summed it all up on BT Sportwhen he said: “Make no mistake, West Ham are a good side – they really are. They have a real chance in this competition. These are exciting times to be a Hammer. It must be absolutely great to go to Upton Park every week to watch players of this ability.”
Despite the shock of an early goal – a speculative effort from around 22 yards – the Hammers hit back within six minutes when Victor Moses ran from just past the halfway line to fire home from just outside the box.
The Dimi “passed ” home a glorious free kick over the wall after being brought down before Kouyate unselfishly set up Emenike for the third.
Soon after the Senegal midfielder was sent off for a trip on Elliot Bennett as he arrived in the box. Earlier Blackburn’s Taylor had seen red for a trip on Moses.
However, the Hammers continued on their merry way with Payet and Emenike completing the rout of the Rovers.
Manu Lanzini was introduced half way through the second half – a perfect time to return with the team on cruise control and looked very good. Moses was special but a three match ban for Kouyate was the one downside of a very special afternoon indeed.
Surely even the most sceptical will surely now be believing that this really could be our FA Cup year.
With Sakho back we are set up for an amazing end to the season – I’ve given up wondering how far this team can go – we really are a match for any out there.
COYI
Boom! To hear Michael Owen singing our praises makes me laugh. That’s what 3 wins over Liverpool and an fa cup run does for you.
When we went to two in midfield we looked really really good. Just hope Bilic sees this – a slow start again. Great to see Emmenike score twice, Lanzini back and Oxford getting on. And those Moses knockers please stop, a really top player.
Three words. “Why not us?”
It would only be a one game ban for Kouyate. That’s assuming we don’t appeal, which we should asthe player had lost control of the ball.
Well, there’s one thing that can’t be denied. Slav’s decision to build his team with an attacking midfield and not go chasing after ‘that’ elusive 20goal Striker has been totally vindicated (and we could yet even have both)
Surely, also our signing of Payet has to be the coup of the season. How did everyone else miss this guy?
Lot of posters on many of these sites owe the two D’s some big apologies for their denigrating remarks about them in the past
The red card was rubbish another ref **** up,trying to level the side as so often happens ,
Should be overturned on appeal,
Why we have to give teams a one goal lead beats me but at least this side except for the Southampton game comes back with great talent
Another northern club get treated to watch a great football side and more entertainment fron our side and what about those away fans again bring on United,