By Sam Tonks
West Ham progressed into the Emirates FA Cup 4th Round after seeing off Birmingham City at London Stadium, in a 2-0 win.
A third minute goal from Marko Arnautovic got things off to a perfect start, his replacement Andy Carroll sealed the win with a late header, beating a valiant City team.
It was a capacity crowd at London Stadium for the return of the FA Cup, Birmingham City making their first visit in this 3rd Round tie.
Samir Nasri was making his debut after signing as a free agent last month. U23 striker Xande Silva was in for his full first team debut also, he has seven goals in six games for the U23 side.
West Ham were on the front foot from the off, Silva showing his forward talents, driving to the by-line and forcing Lee Camp into a smart save. With just three minutes gone, the hosts took the lead from the resulting corner.
Grady Diangana picked out Angelo Ogbonna, his header was parried by Camp, but there was main man Marko Arnautovic to turn home from close range. That’s three goals in three games this week since returning from injury.
It was a confident start with new man Nasri easing himself back into play, his first game since last January, he was linking up well with Arnautovic. The interchange between the front four was causing troubles for City, West Ham were in control.
But as City became more resilient, they grew into the game, helped by the substitution of Arnautovic on 20 minutes for Andy Carroll, the forward not looking best pleased that his game was over.
A flurry of chances came in the space of 10 minutes, first Nasri picked out Pedro Obiang but Camp was equal to his header. The visitors broke on the counter, with Gary Gardner taking aim from Che Adams’ pull back, Ogbonna was in the way.
The frantic exchanges then changed to respectful applause as both sets of supporters stood up in tribute to deceased West Ham fan Jack Morrad.
As the applause came to an end, City nearly levelled, Maikel Kieftenbeld’s header was nodded off the line by substitute Carroll.
With the first-half drawing to a close, Diangana nearly capped an impressive first half with a goal, but he shot into the side-netting from Nasri’s pass. At the other end, Conor Mahoney drove past Arthur Masuaku and drilled in a dangerous cross, but Ogbonna was there again to clear.
Garry Monk would be happy with his side’s determination after falling behind early, he swapped Gardner brothers at half-time, former Sunderland midfielder Craig, for Gary.
It was a cagier opening to the second half. Jutkiewicz curled a shot just wide from inside the box, whilst Carroll nearly headed in Nasri’s centre, Wes Harding got in the way.
Ex-Aston Villa loanee Robert Snodgrass was introduced on the hour mark, to the chorus of boos from the travelling fans. His set-piece quality would be ideal in the Hammers hopes of killing the game off.
His corner on 66 minutes caused chaos in the box, City couldn’t clear, the ball hit Carroll and bounced towards Diangana, he just couldn’t control it in time.
Adrian was having a quiet afternoon in his return to the starting line-up. Until Che Adams connected with Mahoney’s cross, the Spaniard saved down to his left.
The game was becoming more end-to-end in the final 20 minutes, as Birmingham chased an equaliser, leaving them more open to a counter. Michail Antonio led one on 72 minutes, spreading the play to Snodgrass who played it back, but he dragged his effort wide.
The pressure grew from Birmingham as a flurry of crosses headed into the West Ham box, striker Carroll was a useful presence to clear them away.
He nearly fulfilled his use in attack on 84 minutes. Snodgrass brilliantly glided into the box from the left, Carroll took charge but his shot hit the top of the crossbar.
He went even closer on 88 minutes, flicking on a pass to sub Felipe Anderson, getting the ball back he rounded Lee Camp, only to see the ball agonisingly roll past the post beyond his stretching leg.
It looked like it just wasn’t going to be the day for the Geordie. However, with the clock about to tick into stoppage time, he made it third time lucky. Antonio floated an inviting cross and towering over Michael Morrison, his header bounced off the turf and past Camp.
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