Manchester United vs. West Ham: Score, Grades and Reaction from EPL Game
The 10 men of Manchester United rode through the struggles caused by a Wayne Rooney red card to beat West Ham 2-1 on Saturday, just their second Premier League win of the season.
It took the hosts just five minutes to open the scoring in what started off as a bright day for the captain, lofting a Rafael cross from the right over Adrian as the Red Devils began their day with a skip in their step.
OptaJoe showed that despite Rooney's often critiqued quality, Old Trafford is one place at which the striker has been in hot form:
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As the game progressed, United developed a stronger grip on possession and Robin van Persie doubled their lead on the 22-minute mark, scoring from the same spot as his team-mate.
It was the Dutchman's 50th goal in Manchester United colours. Radamel Falcao picked up his second assist in as many appearances, showing a supplemental side of his game that hasn't been as clear in the past.
Despite that disadvantage in the possession stakes, though, West Ham never looked like dying away entirely and began their fight back eight minutes before the break. Diafra Sakho picked up the visitors.
He and Enner Valencia—who hit a header off the upright before Sakho converted the rebound—continue to show promise as the centre-pieces in Sam Allardyce's attack, The Sun's Dan Silver hinting at the latter's strong scoring form:
It was much the same in the second period as the back-and-forth momentum continued, but it was Rooney's petulant kick out on Stewart Downing that spun Louis van Gaal's mood with 59 minutes on the clock.
It was a sorry end to proceedings for the leader figure after what was otherwise a positive display.
Infostrada Sports noting the rarity of his achievement:
Falcao may always have been planned as a substitution as he looks to regain full fitness after his long-term knee injury, but the sending off forced a greater need to withdraw attacking ranks in favour of stability.
West Ham would bide their time to hit the back of the net too, with only a few minutes left on the clock, but Liverpudlian Kevin Nolan was ruled offside for his late chance.
It was ugly at times and by no means showed the kind of glamour Van Gaal will be seeking in the long run, but the three points are the most important reward for the Red Devils, first and foremost.
Having beaten Liverpool 3-1 a week ago, the Hammers are by no means the same side they were last season, and United can take major positive worth from what was always shaping up to be a tricky fixture.
What was also promising to see from Van Gaal is the promotion of squad youth as Patrick McNair and Tom Thorpe made their debuts for the club, the former starting at centre-back.
Moving forward, amidst all the club's injury woes, the advancement of these young assets will be pivotal, and shows Van Gaal holds similar ideals to that of Sir Alex Ferguson.
United move just above West Ham and into the top half of the table thanks to their win, the visit of Everton next weekend another daunting fixture.
West Ham, meanwhile, will look to dust themselves down before facing Queens Park Rangers at home next Sunday and attempting to get back to winning ways.
Grades
Wayne Rooney: C+
It could have been so much more for Rooney in a performance that will be most remembered for his needless red card, but that doesn't change the fact that what was shown prior to that sending off had been promising.
A well-taken goal started the day off pleasantly for his side, but with a half hour to go and only a one-goal lead in hand, his score drops significantly for what was an easily avoidable offence.
Diafro Sakho: B+
Sakho showed superb reaction to convert Valencia's tipped effort and pull West Ham back into this fixture, a particularly good showing considering he was largely playing from the flanks.
Per WhoScored.com, the attacker won 71 percent of all aerial duels and tested David De Gea on numerous occasion, finishing with five shots to his name. Unfortunate not to have had more success in front of goal, but a calmer temper may also have helped on Saturday.
Rafael: A
Rafael picks up his fair share of flak from those inside Old Trafford and out, but this was a showing to illustrate the Brazilian most certainly still has worth to United.
Squawka broke down his first half in numbers:
Back in his right-back role, the South American ran rampant in attack and defence, completing 90 percent of his passes, making three successful tackles and setting up Rooney for the opener in what was a man-of-the-match display.
Post-Match Reaction
In the wake of his second win as Manchester United boss, Van Gaal was unsurprisingly asked to give his take on the red card shown to his captain, a punishment that could have easily turned the tide against the home team.
However, there was no evident airing out of the striker from his manager, whom Tom Williams of Agence France-Presse quoted in critiquing the manner in which referee Lee Mason gave out the dismissal:
"Louis van Gaal on Wayne Rooney's red card: "I think the referee did it too unfriendly. You can do it in a more friendly way."
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) September 27, 2014"
The Dutchman then refused to comment on whether he regretted giving Rooney the captain's armband, per David Lynch of the Manchester Evening News:
"Van Gaal asked if he might regret giving Rooney the captaincy. Refuses to answer. "It's my right."
— David Lynch (@DavidLynchMEN) September 27, 2014"
All in all, though, the manager had praise for his player, per the official United Twitter account:
Allardyce was more critical of Mason's performance, taking note of Nolan's late, disallowed effort, per Daniel Taylor of The Guardian:
As Taylor shows, the Hammers' boss didn't mince his words in describing the decision, either. Be warned, Allardyce used language NSFW in capturing just how major an error he felt the decision was:
It would have been a valuable point for the visitors, who in the end failed to capitalise upon their extra man to turn the result in their favour.
However, both clubs can walk away from the result relatively upbeat after such a close encounter, each showcasing their ups and downs, lessons to be learnt as the season progresses.
