Crystal Palace 2-3 West Ham United
What a difference a year makes. West Ham United – who were in the bottom three and fighting for their Premier League lives around this time last January – now find themselves in the top four.
The Hammers broke into the Champions League places after beating Crystal Palace 3-2 in their London derby. Tomas Soucek’s first-half brace overturned an early deficit, while centre-back Craig Dawson added a third to secure the victory.
West Ham have now won four in a row in the league and sixth on the trot in all competitions in 2021. And while there is still half the season remaining, David Moyes suddenly has his side dreaming of Europe for the first time in a long while.
Highlights of the game
Crystal Palace came into this London derby without scoring a single goal in their last three matches. But that drought finally came to an end just three minutes in against West Ham.
After a quick one-two with strike partner Christian Benteke, Wilfried Zaha smashed a shot from the edge of the box straight into the bottom corner, just past the outstretched hand of Lukasz Fabianski.
It was a much-needed goal for Zaha who, as noted in the SBOTOP preview for this match, had scored just once in his last eight games.
However, the Eagles’ lead would last just six minutes as the Hammers hit back through Tomas Soucek. The Czech midfielder made one of his trademark runs into the six-yard box and was on hand to head home Michail Antonio’s clever flick.
Soucek would then give West Ham the lead on 25 minutes. Aaron Cresswell’s excellent free kick found the Czech, who did well to control the ball then squeeze it past Vicente Guaita’s near post.
Antonio very nearly added to the visitors’ lead right from the restart as he pounced on a poor pass from Cheikhou Kouyate, but the Hammers striker’s shot struck the post.
West Ham continued to create chances, with Soucek and Pablo Fornals’ long-range shots forcing Guaita to a couple of saves.
And on 39 minutes, Antonio once again unlucky to hit the post as he redirected Cresswell’s wayward shot toward goal.
Crystal Palace came out strong in the second half, though, and nearly equalised two minutes after the break. But Zaha just couldn’t beat Fabianski, who made a fine save in a one-on-one situation.
Antonio again had a great chance to score just before the hour mark. Said Benrahma delivered a terrific cross to Antonio, who seemingly had an simple tap-in right in front of goal. But Guaita produced a sensational save from point-blank range to deny the Hammers forward.
West Ham would eventually get the goal that would all but seal the win on 65 minutes. Centre-back Craig Dawson, who scored the winner in their FA Cup win over Stockport County the previous week, rose high above his marker to head home the Hammers’ third.
Antonio’s poor luck in front of goal would continue as he missed a fourth chance to score while trying to redirect Vladimir Coufal’s off-target shot.
Crystal Palace would grab a consolation goal through substitute Michy Batshuayi, who scored with virtually the last kick of the game. But it was too little, too late as West Ham would hang on to pick up their fourth win in a row.
Key statistics
It was a truly dominant performance from West Ham away from home. They significantly outshot Palace, 17-6, and had 7 shots on target.
The Hammers would have won by more if Antonio had converted just one of his team-high 5 shots. But he didn’t, which snapped his streak of two straight games with a goal.
Luckily for West Ham, Soucek proved to be more clinical in front of goal. The Czech midfielder continues to provide Premier League 2021 highlights and is now the team’s leading scorer with 7 Premier League goals this season.
What’s next?
West Ham’s time in the top four could be short-lived as either Tottenham or Liverpool could overtake them when they meet in midweek. However, the Hammers will have a chance to reclaim that spot as they host Liverpool at London Stadium this weekend.
The Premier League 2021 betting odds will still favour the Reds, but with the champions struggling and the Hammers full of confidence, a potential upset could be on the cards.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will also be hosting a struggling side in Wolves, who have won just once in their last nine league matches.
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