The last time West Ham was embroiled in a relegation struggle was in 2006/2007. It was also the season where the transfer controversy of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano dominated the headlines. As it were, Carlitos played an influential part in securing Premiership survival that season. His enthusiastic, energetic and tireless workrate earned him the affection of the West Ham fans.
This season has been no less stressful and frustrating but with two wins on the trot, it may be that the Hammers have turned the corner finally. But now, with confidence sky-high, is it a bad time to face the current champions in their backyard?
We should be facing a nervous United, still missing their experienced centrebacks of Ferdinand and Vidic. Without these two, United seemed a soft touch in central defence, a weakness fully exploited by Everton on their excellent 3-1 win over the Red Devils.
As I mentioned in previous posts, West Ham have always raised their game against Manchester United and I expect our players to do the same yet again. This time, instead of a little Argentinian, Zola will be unleashing the dragon-hearted Italian, Alessandro Diamanti. He can be the catalyst in much the same way as Carlos Tevez was back in 2006/2007. His never-say-die attitude, eye for a pass and/or goal and all-action running are perfectly suited for the battle for survival. Alessandro Diamanti totally represents the second coming of Carlos Tevez and I am convinced he will wreak havoc on the Manchester United defence.
Here are the goal video highlights of West Ham's most recent victories over Manchester United:
- Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United (May 13, 2007)
- West Ham 2-1 Manchester United (December 29, 2007)
- West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United (December 17, 2006) @ 2.35" of the video
Come On You Irons!
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