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Hammer defeat lacklustre Blades at a canter
West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at London Stadium, London, September 30, 2023

West Ham 2-0 Sheffield United
by Paul Donovan
at London Stadium

West Ham won this game at a canter, against a lacklustre Sheffield United at the London Stadium.

The Blades looked like they were still shell shocked, after last week’s 8-0 dubbing against Newcastle.

West Ham looked as though they might take the lead when a James Ward Prowse corner saw a Jarrod Bowen header pushed out by blades keeper Wes Foderingham. Nayef Aguerd’s resulting header was then cleared off the line by a defender.

It wasn’t long though before the home side were ahead. A slick exchange of passes saw Vladimir Coufal pull the ball back for the incoming Bowen to stroke home.

Michail Antonio then hit the back stantion with an effort from 20 yards out.

West Ham’s second goal came when Emerson intercepted the ball and set up Antonio, who laid off for the oncoming Tomas Soucek to drive home.

The Blades had their chances but lacked a cutting edge, as Jack Robinson proved, screwing his shot wide, as half time approached.

The second half was somewhat lacklustre, with West Ham having the chance to extend their lead but failing to do so. 

Aguerd’s header from another corner was probably the pick of the chances.

Meanwhile, for the visitors, Oliver McBernie saw his header go wide and Anis Ben Slimane dragged his shot wide.

West Ham manager David Moyes was impressed with Bowen’s performance. "Jarrod Bowen is in really good form - quick and sharp,” said Moyes, who believes he cannot be far from an England recall.

Moyes was slightly disappointed that his team did not go on and score more goals, though pleased with the clean sheet.

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom felt his side lost possession too easily, especially in the first half. 

He was pleased with the chances in the second half but they were not taken.

Heckingbottom remains optimistic regarding the prospects for the Blades’ survival. There have been games when they could have got points but “lost key moments.”

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