Without a win in seven, West Ham were well and truly in a relegation battle. The Hammers faced Swansea at the London Stadium on Saturday, it was a must win game, not only for their Premier League safety, but for manager Slaven Bilic`s future also.
Despite recent backing from the board, there have been many rumours floating around this week regarding the Croatian’s job, with an apparent short-term manager lined up to take over. There was a lot at stake if Swansea left London with all three points.
Andy Carroll was missing for this huge match, the big man was injured during defeat at Arsenal mid-week. Robert Snodgrass stepped in to replace him in the only change for Slav’s men. Aaron Cresswell, Angelo Ogbonna, Winston Reid and Pedro Obiang were all still sidelined. One positive was that of Michail Antonio, he recovered from illness after being taken off at The Emirates, and was fit to start.
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Cagey start
Not surprisingly, with so much at stake in this game, both sides made a nervy start to the match. As such, either side really threaten in the opening quarter of the hour. The Hammers were first to gain some confidence though, Antonio brought the game to life in the 20th minute, with some nice footwork, creating space in side the box and swinging a ball to the back post for Snodgrass to header, only for the Swans keeper Fabianski to be alert and make a goal-line save.
The Polish international was then on hand to keep out former team-mate, Andre Ayew. The Ghanaian smashed a well struck shot on the half hour make, but was again smartly saved. West Ham were starting to step up the pressure.
Cheik mate
The pressure did finally pay off a minute before half time, Kouyate with some great individual play in the centre of the pitch, a neat one-two with Snodgrass, before powering forward and unleashing a thumping effort 25-yards from goal. West Ham went 1-0 up, the goal was only the Senegalese`s first Premier League goal this season, but a very important one it was.
However just before the goal, Antonio pulled up after sprinting down the wing, the England International was replaced by Calleri. It seemed he pulled his hamstring, just like Carroll did last week. This is a huge blow for West Ham, especially with the season nearing its end, we need every player as fit as possible.
Nail-biting second half
Just like Hull last week, the Hammers went in at half time with a one goal lead. Just like in that game when the Tigers made two changes and came out roaring, so did Swansea. Luckily for Bilic and his team, the Swan’s didn’t have quiet the fight in them that Hull did. In fact out of the two sides, it seemed West Ham were the more likely to score the second goal.
Swansea had more possession during most parts of the game, but failed to do much in the final half of the pitch, the Hammers had chances from Ayew and Lanzini late on, the impressive Fabianski kept the score line at only one.
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A late block from right-back Sam Bryam was about the closest Swansea got to our goal all game, it would be harsh to say they were poor, we actually showed courage and a willingness to win.
Happy Hammers
The match ended 1-0, there was a huge sense of relief all around the ground as bubbles was played over the tannoy. Hammers fans exited with smiles – a clean sheet, three points and passion shown finally from the boys in claret and blue.
Slaven Bilic was seen punching the air with joy, Byram was superb all game, Collins was a rock at the back and playing in his 400th appearance for the club, captain Mark Noble was also excellent in front of the back four.
Next: Hammers must face relegation reality
Now eight points clear of the relegation pack, we go away to Sunderland next week, a win their and depending on results elsewhere, West Ham could be eleven points clear of relegation this time next week – what a great Easter bank holiday weekend that would be!