Played at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 13th December 2003
West Ham United achieved an incredible comeback to beat Sunderland after being 2-0 down at half time. West Ham are now 6th in the table, the first time they have been in the play-off positions since the beginning of November.
The first-half was nothing short of a shambles; the Wearsiders dominated the game and were 2-0 up at the break thanks to Jason McAteer and John Oster. Both goals were David James’ fault.
For many, the highlight of the first-half was a scrap between players from the both sides. Tomas Repka and John Oster were cautioned whilst Repka got the loudest cheer of the day when he told much-loathed captain Christian Dailly what he thought of his opinion.
Alan Pardew substituted the poor (again) Wayne Quinn for Don Hutchison at half time. Hutchison probably should have started after his performance on Tuesday. Pardew soon made another change, bringing off Marlon Harewood for Brian Deane.
Straightaway, Deane nodded down a long-ball from Dailly to Dave Connolly who had his shot saved, but Jermain Defoe was there and tapped the ball into the net.
The Hammers were level when Matty Etherington’s brisk run down the left flank resulted in a cross to Defoe, who took a touch and finished exquisitely past Mart Poom.
“AP” then introduced 16-year-old Chris Cohen, another Academy graduate. The fans instantly warmed to Cohen when he clattered into a player just in front of the dugouts.
The astounding comeback was completed when a cross from Kevin Horlock hit the far post, the ball landed at Ian Pearce’s feet and the burly defender clobbered the ball into the empty net.
Connolly and Horlock worked tirelessly throughout the game with no personal gain. This result, thanks to Pardew’s incredible substitution, could start a string of victories that the team is so obviously capable of achieving. This game is one that will stick in supporters’ minds for a long time.
Scott (Owner)'s Player Ratings
James: Looked shaky all day long, was at fault for both goals, but hey it happens
4/10
Repka: MAN OF THE MATCH, solid, fought till the end, put Dailly in his place, had us singing his praises.
9/10
Quinn: Shit as ever, can't wait till a new left back is brought in, nuff said.
5/10
Dailly: Not a captain, still wasn't that bad, think he got unnecessarily booed when he put the ball out of play, it was the right thing to do.
6/10
Pearce: Not up to standards but is trying hard, doesn't look fit to me.
6/10
Etherington: Really got us going from the off, set up a goal and ran his nuts off, great to have him back.
7.5/10
Horlock: Worked hard, great ball in for the winner, played a few good balls.
7/10
Mullins: Did alright, has hit a bad patch, think we should try him at centre back.
6.5/10
Connolly: Worked his nuts off, tried his best and played a few great balls. Would've been man of the match if not for repka 8.5/10
Harewood: Tried, failing to show us the same as the Wigan game, will come good.
6.5/10
Defoe: Staying or Going? Needs to keep his mouth shut. Played well got 2 goals but sometimes a little bit too hungry for goals. When he hit the post, if he'd of given the ball to Matty, he'd have had an open goal.
7.5/10
SUBS
Dean: came on and changed the game, first touch was an assist. worked VERY hard.
8.5/10
Hutch: also changed the game, worked hard, looked dangerous, should've started.
8/10
Cohen: Finally making his debut, as Phil said, clattering a Sunderland player in front of the dugout. Looked very nervous, though at 16 who wouldn't? Looking forward to seeing more of him.
6.5/10
Article by Phil Crook (p.crook@lycos.com)
Ratings by Scott Fautley (Owner) (scott_fautley@msn.com)