A fantastic overhead opener from Carlton Cole was cancelled out by a questionable goal from Darius Vassell as West Ham managed to grab a point from Man City in a match we really could have won.
In what was billed to be a grudge match for West Ham after City knocked the Hammers out of the FA Cup on Wednesday, Curbishley’s side came out the brighter of the two sides in a generally entertaining game.
One of the first main opportunities of the game started when Richard Dunne gave the ball away to Mark Noble, to pass for the attacking Freddie Ljungberg, for the Swede to float in a cross for Carlton Cole who did superbly well to knock the ball in the air and on the half volley fire over his head and past Hart into the City goal for West Ham to take the lead.
From then on, the sides were more or less fairly matched and West Ham’s lead lasted only eight minutes, largely due to the pressure implied by Petrov.
It was Petrov’s corner that returned to Bulgarian to fire in again, coming off George McCartney to fall into the way of Vassell who on close inspection, was offside when the ball was first crossed into the penalty area.
Despite this, there was little or no objection by any of the West Ham players, even though the linesman was level with Vassell at the time of the ball leaving Petrov’s foot and arguably had a better view than some of those on the pitch.
Nevertheless, the Hammers continued to battle on in an energetic display for Curbishley’s side as the home team looked to an extent lacklustre, and not as enthusiastic as West Ham to earn all three points.
Later on, midfielder Hayden Mullins had a cannon-like shot turned away by Hart, who pushed the powerful effort over his cross bar for a corner.
Hart had an impressive game, keeping out a number of West Ham chances including an effort from Mark Noble plus a header from Carlton Cole.
Julien Faubert had netted, but the Frenchman’s goal was ruled out as Lee Bowyer was adjudged to have committed a foul in the build up to the goal. Late on West Ham could have scored, and in truth should have but the scores remained level.
A good match at the end of the day and an encouraging display from West Ham as they were again perhaps the better side but failed to make chances pay.
West Ham:
Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Noble, Mullins, Bowyer (Spector 90), Boa Morte (Faubert 71), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Collins, Reid.
Hammers booked:
Neill, Boa Morte, Bowyer, Noble.