Three wins and a draw took the Hammers to the heady heights of third before the festive fixture schedule brought a dose of reality
In December, three wins and a draw took the Hammers to the heady heights of third before the festive fixture schedule bought a dose of reality.
West Ham kicked off December with a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on a freezing Wednesday night in the West Midlands.
Craig Dawson headed the Baggies into a ten minute lead before a well worked corner fell to Kevin Nolan who equaliser via a trademark close range finish.
Having weathered the early storm, the Irons grew into the match, James Tomkins rose highest at the back post to claim maximum points.
Onto the next game and another slow start from the claret and blues. Ivorian international Wilfried Bony broke the deadlock triggering an almighty response from the hosts.
Andy Carroll stepped up to the plate, bagging a brace before Diafra Sakho slammed a shot past Lukasz Fabianski to seal the win.
West Ham kicked off December with a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on a freezing Wednesday night in the West Midlands.
Craig Dawson headed the Baggies into a ten minute lead before a well worked corner fell to Kevin Nolan who equaliser via a trademark close range finish.
Having weathered the early storm, the Irons grew into the match, James Tomkins rose highest at the back post to claim maximum points.
Onto the next game and another slow start from the claret and blues. Ivorian international Wilfried Bony broke the deadlock triggering an almighty response from the hosts.
Andy Carroll stepped up to the plate, bagging a brace before Diafra Sakho slammed a shot past Lukasz Fabianski to seal the win.
For the Hammers third game of December, the long journey to the North East. For the third game running, the Hammers fell behind as Jordi Gomez scored from the penalty spot after James Tomkins was adjudged to have fouled Adam Johnson.
In keeping with previous games, the Irons never-say-die attitude stood them in good stead as Stewart Downing steered the equaliser in from the edge of the box. A cultured finish from one of the Hammers in form players.
In the last game before Christmas, West Ham strolled to a 2-0 win over Leicester City. The Foxes were on a poor run of form and it looked set to continue when former Hammer Paul Koncheskey played a short backpass. Andy Carroll raced onto it and delicately chipped over Ben Hamer.
The towering No9 wheeled away in delight with the fans in raptures. The party really got going when Stewart Downing notched for the second game running, lashing a goal-of-the-season contender from the edge of the box.
The Hammers found themselves fourth almost halfway through the season, ensuring a very Merry Christmas all round.
However, the festivities did not last too long as a Boxing Day trip to Stamford Bridge proved to be a rude awakening.
Jose Mourinho’s side were ruthless in their efficiency, hardly giving the travelling Irons a sniff on goal. A strike either side of half-time from veteran John Terry and danger-man Diego Costa were enough for the Blues.
As for the final game of 2014, the fixture list was not much kinder as a classy Arsenal rolled into town.
Fans were treated to an enthralling affair, and the atmosphere reached fever pitch from former Gunner Alex Song volleyed in from 25-yards, only for it to be chalked off somewhat controversially.
In keeping with previous games, the Irons never-say-die attitude stood them in good stead as Stewart Downing steered the equaliser in from the edge of the box. A cultured finish from one of the Hammers in form players.
In the last game before Christmas, West Ham strolled to a 2-0 win over Leicester City. The Foxes were on a poor run of form and it looked set to continue when former Hammer Paul Koncheskey played a short backpass. Andy Carroll raced onto it and delicately chipped over Ben Hamer.
The towering No9 wheeled away in delight with the fans in raptures. The party really got going when Stewart Downing notched for the second game running, lashing a goal-of-the-season contender from the edge of the box.
The Hammers found themselves fourth almost halfway through the season, ensuring a very Merry Christmas all round.
However, the festivities did not last too long as a Boxing Day trip to Stamford Bridge proved to be a rude awakening.
Jose Mourinho’s side were ruthless in their efficiency, hardly giving the travelling Irons a sniff on goal. A strike either side of half-time from veteran John Terry and danger-man Diego Costa were enough for the Blues.
As for the final game of 2014, the fixture list was not much kinder as a classy Arsenal rolled into town.
Fans were treated to an enthralling affair, and the atmosphere reached fever pitch from former Gunner Alex Song volleyed in from 25-yards, only for it to be chalked off somewhat controversially.