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Cole against ChelseaWith the upcoming fixture against Chelsea approaching, I have taken the time to revisit the memorable West Ham United victory over London rivals Chelsea, on the 1st December last year.

West Ham had started the season in reasonable fashion, and went into the game versus Chelsea with nothing to lose.  Chelsea were struggling under ‘caretaker manager’ Rafael Benitez, and West Ham took full advantage.

Nobody would have guessed that West Ham were going to get a memorable victory against Chelsea after watching a first half display which had the hallmarks of previous West Ham sides in past years.  We sat back, respected the opposition too much, and it was no surprise when Juan Mata gave them the lead from a Fernando Torres assist, after just 13 minutes.  We were lacklustre in the tackle, we were missing the bite of Mohamed Diame in the centre of midfield, and lacked any creativity – not much has changed this season really!

However, West Ham only went in at half time 1-0 down.  They reappeared for the second half, and a half time substitution was made, with Diame coming off the bench, much to the delight of every West Ham supporter in the ground and watching on the TV.  On the hour, the moment came, when a cross from the left allowed Carlton Cole to get over Branislav Ivanovic, and nod a rare goal for the Hammers, past the watching Petr Cech.  From then on, West Ham absolutely battered Chelsea.  Chelsea rarely threatened, and when they did, a solid defence stifled it out.  Diame was in inspired form that day, and it was fitting that with the clock running down towards the 90 minute mark, an attack led to the ball being layed across the box and Diame, cool as a cucumber, drilled a low shot past Cech.

Upton Park erupted, the players went mad, and it lead to one of my happiest moments as I watched Sam Allardyce, Neil McDonald and Wally Downes, hugging each other and dancing around on the touchline.  It was that day, that we saw what it meant to the manager, the staff, the players and of course, the fans.  But the game wasn’t finished.  As the 90th minute came, and we were into injury time, Matt Taylor found himself through on goal, and despite Cech saving the first shot, substitute Modibo Maiga was there to follow up, and crown a superb second half fightback.

It was easily one of our games of the campaign, last season, just like the Tottenham Hotspur away win this term is likely to be up there this season as well.  I just hope that Big Sam has some more tricks up his sleeve in order to outsmart Jose Mourinho at Upton Park on Saturday.

COME ON YOU IRONS!!

By ChelmoHammer

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1 comment

  • Wandera K. Desire says:

    This time 4get!! Alot has changed for better, its time for pay back especially Jose in the driving seat. Good luck CFC lads.

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