The magical FA Cup served up another treat for the football followers as East London side West Ham United hosted fellow Premier League outfit Manchester United in the 3rd round.
The game got off to a bright start for the Hammers as Academy graduate, Joe Cole re-signed from Liverpool and started against the Red Devils, despite this though, the reds went ahead early on as England midfielder Cleverley found the back of the net via a sweet curling finish. The Hammers then replied almost instantly as defender James Collins latched his head onto a perfectly weighted cross from Joe Cole. West Ham later went on to take the lead through an almost identical goal to the first as Cole’s cross again met the head of Welshman Collins to make the score line 2-1. Manchester United later went on to miss chance after chance, as did the Hammers which could have seen them put the game to bed. West Ham have been in fine form this season surpassing all expectations and slotting themselves mid-table in the league. Posterior to the announcement of four added minutes, Dutch striker Robin Van Persie latched onto a beautiful long pass before slotting past West Ham keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and levelling the score line sending the ‘Chelmsford Reds’ into celebration. This gut wrenching goal came seconds before the final whistle as the Hammers had to settle for a re-match at Old Trafford.
Speculation is currently rife regarding both clubs as to who they will sign, West Ham have already delved into the market with four new signings;
Sean Maguire, (Waterford – UNDISC)
Joe Cole (Liverpool – FREE),
Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal – LOAN),
Wellington Paulista (Cruzeiro -LOAN).
Joe Cole made his debut in this 3rd round tie after re-signing from Liverpool, he expressed his delight of the move after taking a hefty wage cut to return to his home club, the club that nurtured him into the player and person he is today, and hopefully for both himself and West Ham, he successfully sees out the end of his footballing career in East London with the traditional claret and blue on his chest.
West Ham currently sit 11th in the league following a good start to the season, but their form as of late has been dipping as powerhouse midfielder Mohammed Diame sits out with an injury. On loan striker, Andy Carroll is also injured but is soon expected to make his comeback, whilst Jack Collison and Ricardo Vaz Te have both made their comebacks in recent weeks.
West Ham have recently signed 18 year old Irish striker Sean Maguire from Irish outfit Waterford who finished second in their league this season. The youngster has been compared with Messi by his former chairman, and was also one of three nominees for the PFA Ireland Young Player of the year award. The youngster signs on a two and a half year contract after scoring 14 goals in 32 games for his former club. “Here I am now at West Ham and it’s a dream come true really.” Stated the 18 year old who stands at 5ft 9in. The youngster also claimed that his best trait is his movement, something the Hammer’s faithful are gagging for at Upton Park.
Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie currently tops the Premier League goal scoring chart with 16 goals to his name.
The fourth round draw regarding West Ham;
West Ham/Manchester United v Fulham/Blackpool