HITC Sport takes a look at some of West Ham United’s most dramatic moments in their recent history.
1. The Argentinian Duo
In the summer of 2006, clubs all over the globe had their eyes on Argentinian players Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano; two footballers who were shaping up to become, and did become, two of the best players in the world. So, many were shocked when it was in fact West Ham United, managed by Alan Pardew at the time, who managed to secure their signatures. However, after just one season, Tevez and Mascherano both departed, though both left their marks on the Hammers faithful.
2. Relegation…with 42 points on the board!
They say that 40 points should be enough to secure safety in the Premier League, so many were shocked to see the Hammers go down with 42 at the end of the 2002/03 season. With players at the club like David James, Paulo Di Canio, Joe Cole and Micheal Carrick at the club, that side will go down as one of the best ever top flight sides to get relegated.
Joe Cole and Michael Carrick – West Ham United
3. Boleyn’s Farewell
West Ham United could not have scripted their final game at the Boleyn Ground any better. After being 1-2 down to Manchester United with 15 minutes to go, the team rallied together, scoring twice to win the game, giving West Ham United’s home the send off it deserved.
4. The Great Escape
West Ham United were 10 points from safety with nine games to go during the 2006/07 season, and looked pretty doomed to Championship football. However, after Alan Pardew’s departure, Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez came to life, scoring seven goals including a final day winner at Old Trafford to keep the Hammers up…much to the annoyance of the then Sheffield United manager, Neil Warnock.
Carlos Tevez celebrates scoring for West Ham United
5. Dimitri Payet goes on strike
Despite becoming somewhat of a club legend in his first season with the Hammers, Dimitri Payet shocked fans towards the end of 2016, demanding a move away from the club back to his native France. It’s needless to say that club and fans alike were not impressed with the midfielder’s action, and its arguable that the decision derailed West Ham season somewhat.
6. Defoe’s transfer request
In a dramatic deadline day deal, 21-year-old Jermain Defoe departed West Ham United for Tottenham Hotspur, much to the annoyance of the West Ham faithful, in February 2004. After being nurtured at Upton Park, his decision to hand in a transfer request rocked the club and its supporters.
Jermain Defoe – West Ham United
7. THAT FA Cup final
Known by many now as the Steve Gerrard final, West Ham United were seconds away from snatching FA Cup final glory after leading 3-2 through a wonderful goal from Paul Konchesky. However, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard broke West Ham hearts with a 30-yard screamer to draw things level, with the Reds going on to win the game in penalties.
8. Lasagna-gate
West Ham United didn’t have much to play for towards the end of the 2005/06 season. They were comfortably safe, and the FA Cup had been somewhat of a priority for the club (we know how that one turned out). After picking up just 3 wins from their last 11 games, West Ham came up against their old enemy Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs needing a win to secure Champions League football. However, after some rumoured dodgy lasagna before the game, West Ham secured the win, allowing Arsenal to sneak into fourth place. Has Martin Jol ever eaten lasagna since? We doubt it.
Martin Jol – Tottenham Hotspur
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