On May 13, 2007, Manchester United faced West Ham United in the final match of the Premier League season at Old Trafford. West Ham United secured a crucial 1-0 victory, ensuring their survival in the Premier League, while Manchester United had already secured the league title.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Manchester United: 0
- West Ham United: 1 (Carlos Tevez 45′)
- Possession:
- Manchester United dominated possession with 66%, while West Ham United had 34%. Despite Manchester United’s control of the ball, West Ham’s defense held firm, and they capitalized on their limited opportunities.
- Shots:
- Manchester United registered 25 shots, with 10 on target, indicating their relentless efforts to break down West Ham’s defense. West Ham United had 6 shots, with 2 on target, demonstrating their efficiency in front of goal despite limited chances.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester United displayed a high passing accuracy of 85%, completing 562 passes out of 661 attempts. West Ham had a lower passing accuracy of 69%, completing 201 passes out of 291 attempts. United’s superior ball retention and distribution kept them in control, but they failed to convert their dominance into goals.
- Defensive Statistics:
- West Ham made 27 tackles compared to Manchester United’s 14, reflecting West Ham’s aggressive and resilient defensive approach to protect their lead. Both teams committed 12 fouls, indicating the physical nature of the match.
- Set Pieces:
- The only goal of the match came from open play, with Carlos Tevez scoring just before halftime after a deflected shot fell kindly to him in the box. Set pieces did not play a significant role in this match, as both teams focused on open-play opportunities.
- Individual Performances:
- Carlos Tevez was the standout player for West Ham United, scoring the decisive goal that ensured their Premier League survival. For Manchester United, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was kept relatively untested despite the scoreline, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were active in attack but failed to find a way past West Ham’s defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester United employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on maintaining possession and creating chances through their dynamic front line. West Ham United used a 4-4-1-1 formation, aiming to be solid defensively and take advantage of any counter-attacking opportunities. West Ham’s tactical discipline and determination were key to their victory.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, one for Manchester United (Nemanja Vidic 37′) and two for West Ham United (Nigel Reo-Coker 32′, Lucas Neill 78′). The fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester United won 8 corners compared to West Ham’s 2, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Manchester United were caught offside twice, while West Ham had one offside call, showing their cautious approach in attacking and staying organized defensively.
Summary
West Ham United’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on the final day of the 2006-07 Premier League season was a dramatic and crucial result for the Hammers. Carlos Tevez’s goal just before halftime secured the win and ensured West Ham’s survival in the Premier League, despite Manchester United’s dominance in possession and attempts on goal.
Manchester United, having already secured the league title, played with less urgency, but still sought to end the season on a high. However, West Ham’s resolute defense and tactical discipline were enough to withstand the pressure and earn the three points they needed. This match is remembered as a pivotal moment in West Ham’s history, with Tevez’s goal playing a key role in their successful fight against relegation.
