London: West Ham United beat Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday, as the Hammers claimed a famous win in their final derby against their London rivals at Upton Park.
An early goal from Mauro Zarate put West Ham ahead and despite having Nemanja Matic sent off just before half time, Chelsea equalized through Gary Cahill. With Jose Mourinho also sent to the stands by referee Jon Moss, the Blues succumbed late on as Andy Carroll headed home the winner 11 minutes from time.
With the victory West Ham move up to second place as Slaven Bilic’s side have now beaten Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in their opening 10 games of the season. With their fifth defeat in 10 games, Chelsea drop to 15th, just six points above the relegation zone.
West Ham sat back and invited Chelsea pressure early on with the Hammers looking lively on the break but Costa twice going close to giving the away side the lead. In the 16th minute the Hammers went ahead as Dmitri Payet’s free kick was tipped over by Asmir Begovic and then from the resulting corner the ball dropped to Zarate on the edge of the box who rifled home a low shot to send Upton Park wild. 1-0 to West Ham. Mourinho’s side struggled to recover from going behind.
In the 33rd minute Willian sent in a free kick which Adrian tipped away but the Blues failed to get in-behind West Ham as Bilic’s gameplan was working superbly. Moments later Kurt Zouma‘s header was cleared off the line by Manuel Lanzini as Chelsea pushed hard. At the other end Payet flicked the ball to Lanzini and he dinked the ball over Begovic but also over the crossbar.
Then just before half time all hell broke loose as first Fabregas had a goal disallowed for offside when he looked to be level with the last defender, then seconds later Matic was shown his second yellow card in nine minutes as the Blues were reduced to 10-men. Chelsea’s players remonstrated furiously with the officials which led to John Terry and Fabregas getting yellows, as Diafra Sakho did make a meal of a push from Matic on the touchline.
Hammers went ahead as Carroll rose highest at the back post and headed home Aaron Cresswell‘s cross to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes to go. (Agencies)
