It was fast, it was frenetic, it was, at times, almost farcical. Flashes of quality amid the maelstrom of end-to-end energy decided this match, and in the end it was Leicester who emerged panting and sweating, and clutching three vital points.
This win was as sweet as they come for Nigel Pearson and his lot, mired as they are in the fracas of relegation. West Ham certainly had, and missed, enough chances to win, but the Foxes ended the match the stronger, going ahead in the final stages, and holding on desperately. Outside90’s Evan Morgan Grahame takes a look at the key talking points from the game.
Leicester fast starters and even faster finishers
Nigel Pearson had no doubt made it clear in his pre-match talk – if you had not realised already, lads (which you should have), things are getting desperate. Bottom of the table, seven points from safety, with less than 10 games left. Just to be sure, Pearson will have reinforced the message. And so, his team came out playing with the mad fever that only men in mortal peril can muster. The pressing was incredible, the forward play whirlwind, the defending… well, a little sacrificed as a result. But they were rewarded, scoring and winning a penalty in the opening 15 minutes. They were unable to maintain their furious flurry for all of the first-half, but found it again coming out of half-time, and then again in the final quarter of the match. No one has faulted the exertions of Leicester this season, and time and time again they have been undone in spite of their efforts. Not here though, and how sweet it is.
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Cambiasso’s veteran quality outstanding
In the middle of that heady moment, as the ball popped up beautifully for Esteban Cambiassio to volley, there was still a lot to do. Three players were in front of him, including his own team mate blocking his view. Two West Ham defenders were executing a closing door routine, trying to squeeze the chance into oblivion. He had only split seconds in which to work. It was here that the Argentine drew from his well of top-tier experience, the glittering years at Inter and Real Madrid, the sort of history that becalms the spirit even in this most intoxicating of moments. The connection was perfect, and the ball arrowed into the corner. Instinctual and reliable, Cambiasso’s intervention gave his side the perfect start. He’s a long way from Milan and Madrid now, but his veteran quality remains.
Second comes right after first for Adrian
As Adrian plunged to his left, stuck out a meaty paw, and batted away David Nugent’s penalty, it was just yet another save on his tally. The Spaniard, a free transfer two seasons ago, has become, after David de Gea, the second best Spanish keeper in the league. Yes, there are only two, so his second place finish also happens to be a last place finish, but he should not be disheartened by that mathematical reality. There are others figures that will encourage the West Ham shot stopper – he has made the third-most saves in the league. He has faced the equal-most penalties this season, and has saved more than any other keeper. His reactions are stunningly quick, and he made, aside from the penalty, a number of other crucial saves in this match. De gea is arguably the best goalkeeper in the country and is deservedly grabbing all the headlines, but the league’s second best Spaniard between the sticks should not be forgotten either.
Even in defeat, West Ham’s midfield was strong
After the opening flurries had passed, and the game settled, the value of West Ham’s midfield began to shine through. With Cheikhou Kouyate returned to his preferred position alongside Mark Noble and Alex Song, West Ham were finally rid of Kevin Nolan in midfield, and here the first choice trio dictated much of the first-half. They seem completely in tune with one another; when one surges forward, the others hinge back to provide a guard against the counter. All three a fine passers, particularly Noble and Song, and all three are able to take on their marker. Then, going the other way, all are very much able to compete defensively, scrapping for interceptions, fighting into tackles, and marshalling the space.
The goal, superbly constructed by Kouyate and Song, showed just how two-way West Ham’s middle unit are, with Kouyate drifting forward to receive a lofted pass from Song, then finishing cleanly. Note Noble holding his position alongside Song, not tempted to wander forward to join the fun. They were overcome by the desperate vigour of Leicester in the end, but had Kouyate taken his chance to score a second (he hit the post from close range), it might have been the Hammers who finished victorious.
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