On December 1, 2012, West Ham United faced Chelsea in a Premier League match at Upton Park. West Ham secured a stunning 3-1 victory, coming from behind to defeat the reigning European champions.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- West Ham United: 3 (Carlton Cole 63′, Mohamed Diamé 86′, Modibo Maïga 90′)
- Chelsea: 1 (Juan Mata 13′)
- Possession:
- Chelsea had 58% possession, while West Ham United had 42%. Chelsea’s dominance in possession reflected their control in the early stages, but West Ham’s resilient defense and effective counter-attacks turned the game in their favor.
- Shots:
- West Ham United registered 15 shots, with 6 on target, showcasing their attacking intent, particularly in the second half. Chelsea had 16 shots, with 7 on target, but struggled to convert their opportunities after taking an early lead.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Chelsea displayed a high passing accuracy of 84%, completing 450 passes out of 534 attempts. West Ham had a lower passing accuracy of 70%, completing 221 passes out of 316 attempts. Despite Chelsea’s superior passing, West Ham’s more direct and physical approach proved decisive.
- Defensive Statistics:
- West Ham made 23 tackles compared to Chelsea’s 14, highlighting their aggressive approach in disrupting Chelsea’s play and regaining possession. West Ham’s physicality was a key factor in their ability to withstand Chelsea’s pressure and launch counter-attacks.
- Set Pieces:
- West Ham’s first goal came from open play, with Carlton Cole heading in from close range after outmuscling Chelsea’s defense. The second goal, scored by Mohamed Diamé, was the result of a well-worked move, and the third goal, by Modibo Maïga, came after Chelsea failed to clear a cross. Chelsea’s opening goal was also from open play, with Juan Mata finishing off a quick passing move.
- Individual Performances:
- Carlton Cole was instrumental for West Ham, scoring the equalizer and causing problems for Chelsea’s defense throughout the match. Mohamed Diamé’s energy and drive from midfield were crucial, particularly in the second half, while goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen made several key saves to keep West Ham in the game. For Chelsea, Juan Mata was their standout player, scoring the opening goal and creating several chances, but his influence waned as the match progressed.
- Tactical Overview:
- West Ham United employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on physicality, direct play, and exploiting set pieces. Chelsea used a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the midfield and use the pace of their wide players. West Ham’s tactical adjustments in the second half, including more aggressive pressing and quicker transitions, were key to their comeback.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, three for Chelsea (Ramires 44′, Branislav Ivanović 77′, Gary Cahill 88′) and one for West Ham United (Carlton Cole 75′). These fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Chelsea won 9 corners compared to West Ham’s 3, reflecting their territorial advantage, especially in the first half. West Ham were caught offside twice, while Chelsea had one offside call, indicating disciplined defensive lines and cautious attacking movements.
Summary
West Ham United’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Upton Park was a dramatic and impressive comeback, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments. Despite falling behind early to a Juan Mata goal, West Ham responded with three second-half goals, turning the match on its head. Carlton Cole’s equalizer sparked the revival, and late goals from Mohamed Diamé and Modibo Maïga sealed the win. Chelsea, despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, were unable to maintain their early momentum and paid the price for defensive lapses. The win was a significant result for West Ham, highlighting their strength at home and their ability to compete with the top teams in the Premier League. For Chelsea, the defeat was a setback in their title challenge, as they struggled to convert their dominance into points.
