In a pulsating clash at the London Stadium, West Ham secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League, thanks to a late Jarrod Bowen penalty that sealed the win in incredible fashion.
The Hammers overcame a first-half struggle to dominate the second period, and in the end, it was a game packed with drama, goals, and VAR controversy.
This crucial win lifts West Ham above United into 13th place, giving their season a massive boost while leaving Erik ten Hag’s side frustrated and searching for answers.
Manchester United came out of the blocks fast, looking to impose themselves on the game from the very start. Within two minutes, they nearly broke the deadlock, as Alejandro Garnacho’s curling shot from the edge of the box rattled the crossbar.
The visitors continued to apply pressure, dominating possession and creating numerous chances throughout the first half.
Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Rasmus Højlund all had opportunities to score, but West Ham’s goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was in inspired form, making crucial saves to keep the Red Devils at bay.
⏹️ United fall to a late defeat at the London Stadium.#MUFC || #WHUMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 27, 2024
Despite their dominance, Manchester United couldn’t find the back of the net. Eriksen, Fernandes, and Casemiro all had their efforts thwarted by either Fabianski’s saves or last-ditch blocks from West Ham’s defenders, including a heart-stopping moment when Casemiro’s header was clawed away from the goal line by Fabianski just before halftime. United’s xG (expected goals) of 1.48 reflected their dominance, but they went into the break with nothing to show for it.
Lopetegui’s Substitutions Turn the Tide
After a frustrating first half, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui made several game-changing substitutions.
Crysencio Summerville, Danny Ings, and Tomas Soucek were introduced early in the second half, and the changes sparked a noticeable shift in momentum.
West Ham began to press higher up the pitch, disrupting Manchester United’s rhythm and creating opportunities of their own.
In the 74th minute, the breakthrough finally came for West Ham. A misplaced shot by Danny Ings turned into an accidental assist for Summerville, who was in the right place at the right time to tap the ball into the net from close range.
The goal sent the London Stadium into raptures, as the home fans celebrated what seemed like an improbable lead. Summerville’s first goal for West Ham was the culmination of their second-half improvement and a reward for Lopetegui’s bold tactical adjustments.
Casemiro Equalizes for Manchester United
West Ham’s lead, however, was short-lived. Just seven minutes later, Manchester United responded through Casemiro.
The Brazilian midfielder, who had been pulling the strings for United throughout the game, finally found a way past Fabianski.
After a series of headers in the box, Casemiro nodded the ball into the net, bringing United level at 1-1 and setting the stage for a dramatic final 10 minutes.
At this point, the match was finely poised, with both teams pushing forward in search of a winner. The tension inside the stadium was palpable, and the game looked like it could swing in either direction.
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Bowen’s Late Penalty Seals the Win
In the 88th minute, the turning point came. A collision in the box between West Ham’s Danny Ings and Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt caught the eye of VAR.
After several minutes of review, the referee awarded a penalty to West Ham, ruling that de Ligt had fouled Ings during the scramble.
The decision was met with furious protests from the United players, but the call stood, and Jarrod Bowen stepped up to take the penalty.
With the pressure on, Bowen kept his composure, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner. Despite Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana diving the right way, the shot was too well placed for him to reach.
Bowen’s penalty made it 2-1 to West Ham, and with 12 minutes of stoppage time added on, the Hammers faced a nerve-wracking period of defending to secure the victory.
West Ham Hold On for a Vital Win
In the closing stages, Manchester United threw everything they had at West Ham, launching crosses, corners, and long balls into the box in a desperate attempt to equalize.
Garnacho, Fernandes, and substitute Joshua Zirkzee all had chances, but they couldn’t find a way through West Ham’s resolute defense. Fabianski continued to stand tall in goal, making a crucial save from Emerson late in the game to keep the scoreline intact.
As the final whistle blew, West Ham celebrated a famous 2-1 victory over Manchester United. The win not only lifted them above United in the Premier League table but also provided a much-needed confidence boost for Lopetegui’s side, who had struggled for form in the early part of the season.
Key Takeaways: West Ham’s Resilience Shines Through
- Lopetegui’s Tactical Changes: The introduction of Summerville and Ings turned the game in West Ham’s favor. Lopetegui’s bold substitutions at halftime changed the course of the match and gave his team the attacking edge they lacked in the first half.
- Jarrod Bowen’s Nerves of Steel: Bowen’s late penalty was taken with remarkable composure under immense pressure. His seventh goal of the season capped off a hard-fought victory for West Ham and showed why he remains one of their most important players.
- Manchester United’s Missed Opportunities: Despite dominating large parts of the game, United’s failure to convert their chances ultimately cost them. Their xG of 2.12 reflected the opportunities they created, but Fabianski and West Ham’s defense stood firm when it mattered most.
- VAR Drama: The decision to award West Ham a late penalty was a controversial moment that defined the match. While Manchester United may feel aggrieved by the call, it highlighted the fine margins in football and how VAR can be the deciding factor in crucial games.
West Ham’s 2-1 win over Manchester United was a thrilling spectacle that had everything—goals, drama, and VAR controversy. The victory lifts West Ham to 13th in the Premier League, while Manchester United’s inconsistent form continues. As both teams look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, this result could prove pivotal in shaping their seasons. For West Ham, it’s a win that could spark a turnaround, while for Manchester United, it’s back to the drawing board as they seek to find consistency in their performances.
