Fulham vs West Ham

Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 2:00 PM UTC

Match Analysis

Fulham vs West Ham: Premier League 2024 Match Analysis

Final Score: Fulham 1-1 West Ham

Overview

The Premier League clash between Fulham and West Ham on September 14, 2024, ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage. Raul Jimenez's first-half goal for Fulham was canceled out by a last-gasp equalizer from West Ham's Danny Ings. The match was characterized by Fulham's dominance in the first half and West Ham's resilience in the dying moments of the game.

First Half: Fulham's Dominance

Fulham started the match brightly, showcasing fluid attacking play and dominating possession. The trio of Emile Smith Rowe, Andreas Pereira, and Alex Iwobi were particularly impressive, linking up well and causing constant problems for the West Ham defense.

  • Key Moment: Raul Jimenez's Goal
    • Minute: 24th
    • Description: Emile Smith Rowe sprinted to the byline and delivered a precise cut-back to Raul Jimenez, who timed his run perfectly to slot the ball past Alphonse Areola. This goal was a result of Fulham's sustained pressure and intricate play in the final third.

Fulham had several opportunities to extend their lead, with Adama Traore being a constant threat on the right flank. However, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, a recurring theme that would come back to haunt them.

Controversial Decision: The Penalty That Wasn't

One of the most contentious moments of the match occurred in the 16th minute when Adama Traore was brought down by Max Kilman in the penalty area. Fulham's manager, Marco Silva, was incensed by the referee's decision not to award a penalty, a sentiment echoed by many observers.

  • Marco Silva's Reaction:
    • Silva was adamant that it was a clear penalty and a red card offense, arguing that Kilman did not attempt to play the ball and simply pushed Traore from behind. This decision had a significant impact on the game, as Fulham could have doubled their lead and potentially put the game beyond West Ham's reach.

Second Half: West Ham's Resilience

West Ham struggled to make an impact in the first half, failing to register a single shot on target. However, the introduction of Lucas Paqueta and Crysencio Summerville in the second half added much-needed creativity and energy to their play.

  • Key Substitutions:
    • Lucas Paqueta: Brought on at halftime, Paqueta provided a creative spark in midfield, helping West Ham to retain possession and create chances.
    • Crysencio Summerville: His pace and directness troubled the Fulham defense, and he came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.

Danny Ings' Late Heroics

As the match entered stoppage time, it seemed Fulham would hold on for a narrow victory. However, West Ham's persistence paid off in the 95th minute.

  • Key Moment: Danny Ings' Equalizer
    • Minute: 95th
    • Description: Jarrod Bowen chased down a long throw from Vladimir Coufal and managed to keep the ball in play. He then delivered a cut-back to Danny Ings, who created a yard of space and fired a low shot past Bernd Leno at the near post. This goal was a testament to Ings' poaching instincts and West Ham's never-say-die attitude.

Tactical Analysis

  • Fulham:

    • Formation: 4-2-3-1
    • Key Players: Emile Smith Rowe, Andreas Pereira, Adama Traore
    • Strengths: Fulham's attacking play was fluid and dynamic, with Smith Rowe and Pereira pulling the strings in midfield. Traore's pace on the right wing provided an outlet for quick counter-attacks.
    • Weaknesses: Despite their dominance, Fulham's inability to convert chances into goals proved costly. Their defense also showed lapses in concentration, particularly in the closing stages of the match.

  • West Ham:

    • Formation: 4-2-3-1
    • Key Players: Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Danny Ings
    • Strengths: West Ham's resilience and ability to make impactful substitutions were crucial. The introduction of Paqueta and Summerville changed the dynamic of the game, providing the creativity and energy that was lacking in the first half.
    • Weaknesses: West Ham's first-half performance was lackluster, with little threat going forward. Their defense was also vulnerable to Fulham's quick, intricate play.

Managerial Insights

  • Marco Silva (Fulham):
    • Silva was visibly frustrated with the referee's decision not to award a penalty and felt his team deserved more from the game.