A thrilling London derby sees West Ham claim all three points to consolidate their position in the top four against Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Arthur Masuaku’s late goal clinched the win for West Ham as his cross-come-shot deceived the out of sorts Mendy in goal to send the London Stadium into raptures.
In truth, Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea side will wonder how they have come away from East London without at least a point today as they dominated much of the game and could and perhaps should have been out of sight by half time.
Chelsea led through a Thiago Silva header from a Mason Mount corner. The Brazilian has been in imperious form for Chelsea this season, and he rose higher than Dawson to nod the ball back across goal.
In control and dominating the ball, Chelsea gifted West Ham a way back into the game when a short back-pass from Jorginho allowed Jarrod Bowen to nip in ahead of Mendy, who made a mess of his attempt to clear the ball and brought the forward down. Lanzini dispatched his penalty right into the side netting, giving Mendy no chance in goal.
Chelsea retook the lead on the stroke of half time from superb volley and a goal of the season contender from Mason Mount. Ziyech’s lovely cross field ball over the top fell beautifully for Mount to take it on the volley and his first-time effort flew past Fabianski.
The second half began much the same as the first, with Chelsea in control of possession. Lukaku, who was introduced at half time for the injured Havertz, struggled to get up to the pace of the game and was anonymous as he continues his return from injury.
West Ham drew level against the run of play as Bowen’s effort from the edge of the box nestled perfectly into the bottom corner following good work from Antonio.
West Ham grew into the game as the half wore on with Bowen almost snatching a winner following more good work from Antonio. It was left then to Masuaku to net the winner in bizarre circumstance. A clearly attempted cross was somehow mishit by Masuaku, who saw his effort sail straight towards Mendy’s near post. Mendy could not keep the effort out, capping a rare poor day at the office for him and Chelsea who for only the third time in Tuchel’s reign have conceded more than once in a game in all competitions (53 matches).
It was the first win for West Ham since their similarly-emphatic 3-2 win over Liverpool back at the start of November. The Hammers remain in fourth, four points clear of Arsenal. Their Champions League push remains as strong as ever.
Thomas Tuchel will be worried at the mistakes being made by his injury-laden side. Today’s loss, the somewhat fortunate victory over Watford and the unlucky draw with Manchester United have been uncharacteristically sloppy by Tuchel’s standards.
