West Ham United v Manchester United – Second half review: English Premier League - Part 2

West Ham United v Manchester United – Second half review: English Premier League - Part 2

Following their first goal of the match in the 65^th minute, Manchester United gained confidence and pushed onwards for the equalizing goal, as West Ham United adopted a totally defensive mentality to save their 2-1 lead at Upton Park. In the 69^th minute, Dimitar Berbatov surged forward down the left hand side for Manchester United but his ensuing shot was easily gathered in by Robert Green for the home side.

Manchester United’s second goal of the match came shortly after in the 72^nd minute. Antonio Valencia passed the ball towards the Englishman, who then took the ball past Mathew Upson with his first touch. The ex-Everton man then made no mistake with his shot as Robert Green was left helpless, due to the accuracy of Rooney’s finish as the score line reached 2-2 at Upton Park.

 The Red Devils almost got their third goal in the 75^th minute, as Dimitar Berbatov tested Robert Green’s reactions from outside the West Ham penalty area. However, the English goalkeeper was up to the task as he palmed the ball away to safety. In the 77^th minute, Mathew Upson’s abysmal positioning resulted in a hand ball by the English defender.

The referee spotted this foul play and awarded Manchester United their first penalty kick of the match. It was Wayne Rooney who stepped up to take the spot kick and the Englishman made no mistake as he dispatched the ball away for Manchester United’s third goal of the match to make it 2-3 in favour of the visitors at Upton Park.

In the 83^rd minute, Victor Obinna replaced Gary O’Neill, whereas Robbie Keane replaced Mark Noble for West Ham United as Avram Grant brought on two strikers for two midfielders in order to change the match for the Hammers. Manchester United completed the rout in the 84^th minute as Manuel Da Costa’s mistake allowed Ryan Giggs’s cross to reach Javier Hernandez. The Mexican striker showcased predatory skills as he put the ball into the back of the West Ham net to make it 2-4 at Upton Park.

The match finally came to an end with a Manchester United win as the eventual score line rested at 2-4 in favour of Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. United’s goals consisted of Rooney’s hatrick and Hernandez’s tap in whereas both of West Ham’s goal were scored through Mark Noble’s two penalty kicks.