On December 5, 2009, West Ham United faced Manchester United in a Premier League match at Upton Park. Manchester United secured a convincing 4-0 victory, demonstrating their attacking prowess and solid defensive organization.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- West Ham United: 0
- Manchester United: 4 (Paul Scholes 45′, Darron Gibson 61′, Antonio Valencia 71′, Wayne Rooney 72′)
- Possession:
- Manchester United had 60% possession, while West Ham United had 40%. United’s control of possession allowed them to dictate the tempo and create numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match.
- Shots:
- Manchester United registered 17 shots, with 8 on target, showcasing their offensive efficiency. West Ham United had 9 shots, with 3 on target, indicating their struggle to break down United’s defense and convert their limited chances.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester United displayed a high passing accuracy of 84%, completing 489 passes out of 581 attempts. West Ham had a passing accuracy of 76%, completing 283 passes out of 373 attempts. United’s superior ball retention and distribution were key to their dominance in the match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- West Ham made 21 tackles compared to Manchester United’s 15, reflecting their efforts to disrupt United’s play and regain possession. Both teams committed 10 fouls, indicating a physical but fair contest.
- Set Pieces:
- Manchester United’s goals came from open play, with Paul Scholes breaking the deadlock just before halftime with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Darron Gibson doubled the lead with a long-range strike, while Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney added further goals to complete the rout.
- Individual Performances:
- Paul Scholes was a standout player for Manchester United, scoring the opening goal and controlling the midfield with his passing and vision. Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia, and Wayne Rooney also contributed with goals, showcasing United’s attacking depth. For West Ham, Robert Green made several important saves to keep the scoreline from being even more lopsided.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester United employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and utilizing their attacking options. West Ham United used a 4-4-2 formation as well, but they struggled to cope with United’s quick passing and movement. United’s tactical discipline and ability to exploit spaces in West Ham’s defense were crucial to their victory.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, two for West Ham United (Mark Noble 47′, Jonathan Spector 66′) and one for Manchester United (Nemanja Vidic 55′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester United won 5 corners compared to West Ham’s 4, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Both teams were caught offside twice, showing disciplined defensive lines and careful attacking play.
Summary
Manchester United’s 4-0 victory over West Ham United at Upton Park was a dominant display of attacking football and defensive solidity. Paul Scholes’ goal just before halftime set the tone for United, who went on to score three more in the second half through Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia, and Wayne Rooney. West Ham struggled to create clear chances and were outplayed by United’s superior possession, passing accuracy, and tactical execution. The result further solidified Manchester United’s position as title contenders, while West Ham’s struggles continued as they battled to stay clear of the relegation zone. This match highlighted United’s strength and depth, with contributions from multiple players ensuring a comprehensive victory.
