Premier League roundup: Hammers un-Ravel Spurs as Arsenal stay top
Ravel Morrison scored what was described as a “genius” goal by Sam Allardyce in West Ham’s shock 3-0 win at White Hart Lane over Totttenham Hotspur. Spurs missed the chance to gain points over rivals Arsenal who drew 1-1 against West Bromwich Albion.
Worries over West Ham’s attacking options were brushed aside as goals from Winston Reid, Ricardo Vaz Te and superb solo effort from Ravel Morrison ensured Spurs would crash to their first home defeat of the season.
Many would have laughed had you told them the London derby between Tottenham and West Ham would finish 3-0 to the away side before the game, but it was just what the Hammers deserved.
The ever reliable Jermaine Defoe was granted his Premier League wish with a starting role but his tame effort in the second half was the best AVB’s side could muster.
In a game that had little spark in the first hour of play was suddenly set alight in a crazy 13 minutes at the Lane. New Zealand defender Winston Reid turned in a rebound that had come off fellow team-mate Kevin Nolan to make the game 1-0 and the claret and blue didn’t look back.
Ricardo Vaz Te ran clear and his saved effort somewhat fortuitously ricochet back off himself to make it 2-0.
What was to follow was a moment of magic. Former Manchester United youth player Ravel Morrison picked the ball up in his own half and glided past the Spurs defence to slot the ball beyond Hug Lloris.
A showcase of sheer talent from the youngster capped off a fine performance for the under fire Sam Allardyce – ensuring the short travel back was more than satisfying for the die-hard Hammers fans.
A draw at West Brom allowed Arsenal to return to the top of the table. After a famous victory at Old Trafford, Steve Clarke’s men looked to take the game to a side that had won ten games on the bounce.
In the 42nd minute it was an unlikely source that put the Baggies ahead. A delightful corner from the impressive Morgan Amilfitano was met with a thumping header from Claudio Yacob – beating the outstretched Wojciech Szczesny.
Despite Arsenal’s slick passing and free flowing movement, it was still West Brom that looked likely to score next. Former Gunner Nicolas Anelka came close to haunting Arsene Wenger by narrowly missing from close range.
Wenger’s side have looked unbeatable of late and their run without defeat continued when Jack Wilshere’s deflected effort evaded Boaz Myhill in the West Brom goal.
Neither side could claim victory with Olivier Giroud forcing a good save from Myhill late on.
Thomas Bradley, football correspondent
Results
Cardiff 1 Newcastle 2
Fulham 1 Stoke 0
Hull 0 Aston Villa 0
Liverpool 3 Crystal Palace 1
Man City 3 Everton 1
Norwich 1 Chelsea 3
Southampton 2 Swansea 0
Sunderland 1 Man Utd 2
Tottenham 0 West Ham 3
WBA 1 Arsenal 1
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