Two excellent home displays sandwiched a day to forget in north London
Following a disappointing end to February, the Hammers knew they needed a response, however they faced in-form table toppers Chelsea.
Barring an early onslaught from the Blues, where Eden Hazard broke the offside trap to score the only goal of the game, the Irons could not be faulted on effort.
Under the lights, a great atmosphere developed at the Boleyn. The hosts carved a number of chances – 18 to Chelsea’s 12, yet it was one of those days where, try as they might, the breaks just would not fall.
Chelsea took the three points, yet the Hammers could hold their heads high.
The same could not quite be said for the next game – away at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s men were in clinical mood, creating a host of chances throughout the game. The Hammers had goalkeeper Adrian to thank for keeping the scores level for so long, yet once Olivier Giroud fired home there was a sense of inevitability.
Livewire Aaron Ramsey doubled the advantage before Mathieu Flamini sealed the win with six minutes remaining.
However the Hammers were not down for long as they recorded a first league win in seven games by beating Sunderland 1-0.
It took a late Diafra Sakho goal to overcome a rejuvenated Black Cats following Dick Advocaat’s arrival.
A tight affair was settled with just minutes remaining in somewhat controversial circumstances. Sunderland players believed there was a foul in the build-up, however Sakho played on, doing what he does best – score.
Barring an early onslaught from the Blues, where Eden Hazard broke the offside trap to score the only goal of the game, the Irons could not be faulted on effort.
Under the lights, a great atmosphere developed at the Boleyn. The hosts carved a number of chances – 18 to Chelsea’s 12, yet it was one of those days where, try as they might, the breaks just would not fall.
Chelsea took the three points, yet the Hammers could hold their heads high.
The same could not quite be said for the next game – away at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s men were in clinical mood, creating a host of chances throughout the game. The Hammers had goalkeeper Adrian to thank for keeping the scores level for so long, yet once Olivier Giroud fired home there was a sense of inevitability.
Livewire Aaron Ramsey doubled the advantage before Mathieu Flamini sealed the win with six minutes remaining.
However the Hammers were not down for long as they recorded a first league win in seven games by beating Sunderland 1-0.
It took a late Diafra Sakho goal to overcome a rejuvenated Black Cats following Dick Advocaat’s arrival.
A tight affair was settled with just minutes remaining in somewhat controversial circumstances. Sunderland players believed there was a foul in the build-up, however Sakho played on, doing what he does best – score.