New loan signing Andy Carroll popped up and made his debut, setting up two goals in a comfortable 3-0 win for West Ham over London neighbours Fulham.
The Irons dominated the opening proceedings and were quick off the mark when Andy Carroll’s knock down header played a crucial part in a move that resulted in a cultured strike from Captain Kevin Nolan hitting the back of the net within the first minute. Carroll, who joined on the eve of transfer deadline day on a season long loan, was commanding in the air and won header after header as the boys in claret and blue battered their West London rivals.
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Despite their own new acquisitions such as Kieran Richardson in the midfield alongside the likes of Steve Sidwell and Mahamadou Diarra, Fulham failed to respond to a large spell of pressure from the hosts who were now looking confident and in their comfort zone (something which didn’t happen too often at home last season). The crowd sensed a second goal and urged the Irons on with a further spell of sustained pressure including a good strike from new signing, Diame, who’s shot was tipped onto the bar by Schwartzer in the Fulham goal. However a second goal did come, in the form of a majestic header from a corner by New Zealand centre back Winston Reid, scoring for the first time in the Premier League.
However the Hammers did not stop here, and a free kick floated into the box by James Collins was met by Carroll again who knocked the ball down with his head to assist Mathew Taylor who put the ball in the back of the net with an awkward looking strike. The Hammers going in 3-0 up at half time.
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The second half saw the introduction of new Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov, who joined the cottagers on transfer deadline day from Manchester United for £4 million. There was no doubt that Berbatov’s input gave the visitors some much needed strength in attack as Jussi Jaaskalainen was tested from close range on more than one occasion in the second half. However the Hammers’ defence stuck firm as they saw out the rest of the match without ever really being threatened by a frustrated Fulham side.
England and West Ham fan’s only concern will have been seeing the ever present Carroll hobbling off on 68 minutes clutching his hamstring, however it is unlikely that the injury is as bad as first feared. Alongside Carroll, special mentions must go to Ricardo Vaz Te, who’s pace and flair was a constant threat to the Fulham defence, as well as Kevin Nolan who got a man of the match award for his superb link up play and a goal to top it off.
West Ham can reflect on a positive result, but will be looking on towards a potentially tricky tie away at inconsistent Norwich on the 15th.
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