Steed Malbranque produced a sensational performance to end West Ham’s mini-revival and secure a famous Fulham victory at Upton Park this afternoon.
The French midfielder created the opening goal, whipping in a corner for Sylvain Legwinski to head home just before half time, and scored the pivotal second with a fine finish to a devastating counter-attack as Glenn Roeder’s side were punished for failing to score when they were on top in the first half. The 21 year-old’s combination of silky skills and seemingly ceaseless running caused problems for the hosts, who looked alarmingly complacent after winning three matches in the space of a week, all afternoon.
The result might have been different if the Hammers had taken any of their early chances. Freddie Kanoute was the worst culprit, slamming a shot against the post in the twelfth minute from close range with only Edwin van der Sar to beat. Only Paolo di Canio appeared motivated, even if his frustration was soon directed with greater venom against a disciplined Fulham defence and the match officials.
Fulham were fortunate to keep eleven minute on the field as a fiery away that had seen referee Graham Barber flash four yellow cards included one for Barry Hayles after the forward elbowed Haydon Foxe in the face. Such a fractious encounter stood in stark contrast to the wonderful touch that saw Bobby Moore’s granddaughter lead the two teams onto the pitch ahead of the first meeting between the sides that the England World Cup winner captained with such distinction for 21 years.
It was the hosts who made the sharper start. Don Hutchinson drew a fine save from van der Sar having lined up a shot from 25 yards within the first two minutes before Kanoute failed to hit the target from the Scottish midfielder’s precise cross. Fulham, with the tenacious tackling of Legwinski and the enduring class of John Collins, gradually took control of the midfielder. Collins was wildly off target with a shot from distance but played a part in the move that saw Hayles round Shaka Hislop only for Christian Dailly to clear off the line.
Tigana’s side did go ahead just before the break when Malbranque’s corner caught Foxe and Dailly ballwatching and Legwinski rose highest to head past Hislop. West Ham roused themselves in the second half but struggled to test van der Sar – the Dutch goalkeeper only had to hold a fierce volley from Francois Courtois midway through the second period. That scare sparked a superb Fulham break, which saw Malbranque put the game out of reach with a finish that carried too much power for Hislop. On this evidence, Tigana can start planning for a second season amongst England’s elite.
WEST HAM UNITED (4-4-2): Hislop; Schemmel, Winterburn, Foxe, Dailly; Hutchinson, Carrick, Sinclair, Courtois (Defoe 65); di Canio, Kanoute. Subs (not used): James, Song, Moncur, Kitson.
BOOKED: Foxe.
FULHAM (4-4-2): van der Sar; Finnan, Brevett, Melville, Goma; Legwinski, Collins (Goldbaek 83), Malbranque (Stolcers 90), Boa Morte; Hayles, Saha. Subs (not used): Taylor, Knight.
BOOKED: Hayles, Boa Morte, Malbranque.
GOALS: Legwinski (44), Malbranque (65).
REFEREE: Graham Barber (Tring).
ATTENDANCE: 26,217.
