Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole jokes that he still has ‘nightmares’ of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs having been left red faced by the Welsh wizard during a head-to-head meeting.
There is, though, one thing Cole misremembers slightly.
Ryan Giggs did not ‘set up a goal’ during that 2009 meeting between the Hammers and the Red Devils at Upton Park. After sending Carlton Cole for a proverbial hotdog with a brilliant shimmy, the man with the greatest number of assists in Premier League history would instead opt to do it all himself.
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He slotted a sublime finish past Rob Green with his weaker left boot; a crucial victory away to West Ham United during a season in which Sir Alex Ferguson edged out Rafa Benitez’s Fernando Torres-inspired Liverpool for the title.
Carlton Cole remembers Ryan Giggs wondergoal away to West Ham United
Cole was speaking to former West Ham defender and assistant coach Stuart Pearce on the club’s official YouTube channel.
Pearce includes Giggs in his ‘Ultimate XI’, the left-winger in a team of bonafide superstars. The England icon had also shared a pitch with Marco van Basten, Paolo Maldini, Paul Gascoigne and the ‘original’ Ronaldo during a storied playing career.
“I’ve got nightmares. I’ve got nightmares of Ryan Giggs!” Cole chuckled after Pearce brought an ‘incredible’ talent to the table.
“I remember they beat us at Upton Park. I’ve gone in, like I’m steaming in. This is how good he is. It’s the first time I’ve ever gone to ground, Stu!
“I’ve done a slide tackle and what does he do? He just chops it, and I’m there still sliding off the pitch. He’s gone on and someone [Giggs himself actually] scores from that chop.
“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the level’.”
Imaging you’re in Nuno’s shoes; Who are you bringing in to face Arsenal? 👞
Back to the present day, Nuno Espirito Santo will be looking for some inspiration from his own flying wingers as West Ham prepare to host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on Sunday. Jarrod Bowen scored the winner the last time the Hammers beat their London neighbours, delivering a huge dent to their title aspirations in the process.
How the Hammers would love to do the same again this weekend.
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