MATCH REPORT // DISCIPLINED HAMMERS HOLD CHELSEA AT LONDON STADIUM

By Daniel Mcinally

West Ham gained a valuable point, kept a clean sheet and became the first team to take points off Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea this season after a spirited performance at London Stadium. 

In fact, the Hammers came within inches of victory, with Andriy Yarmolenko, the hero from last week, having the best opportunity of the game with fifteen minutes to go. Substitute Robert Snodgrass put a pin-point cross into the box and Yarmolenko, who found himself free, somehow managed to head wide from 5 yards out. 

Chelsea dominated possession in the first half but struggled to work Fabianski in the Hammers goal, while West Ham had to wait until the half-hour mark for their first clear chance. Felipe Anderson showcased his talent by playing an intricate pass in behind the Chelsea defence, but Antonio’s left footed shot flew over the bar. 

A minute later Declan Rice played a defence-splitting pass to Yarmolenko, who found himself in acres of space on the right. The wide man was dispossessed by David Luiz however and the ball found itself at the feet of Antonio again, his thunderous effort straight at Arrizabalaga who beat it away.

Chelsea had a chance to go in front just before the half-time whistle, when Kante met Willian’s cross, his header though went just wide as an onrushing Hazard tried to get on the end of it. 

In the second half the pattern of the game changed, West Ham were more direct and caused Chelsea problems throughout. It took just two minutes for Yarmolenko to have a shot from range, his curled effort though went just over the Chelsea goal.

As the game went on, both teams were creating chances. Hazard so often the danger man for Chelsea was again his team’s best player, yet neither he, Giroud or Willian could get past a stubborn West Ham rear-guard. 

On the 77th minute, Andriy Yarmolenko thought he’d won it as his close-range header went wide, much to the shock of every West Ham fan who thought he’d scored. 

A well-deserved point for Pellegrini’s side, who will feel they are making progress after a very positive week. 

West Ham now welcome Macclesfield Town to London Stadium on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup.