West Brom 1-2 West Ham: Hammers continue strong start

West Ham comtinue their strong start to the season after dispensing of West Brom at The Hawthorns. This leaves West Ham fifth only a point behind Manchester United in fourth, but West Brom however are nervously looking over their shoulder as they sit 16th, two points above the drop zone.

It was West Brom who took the lead, through Craig Dawson's tenth minute header from a Graham Dorrans costless kick. The Hammers regrouped well and Kevin Nolan was first to react to Ben Foster's save from an Andy Carroll overhead kick to level it up. On the stroke of half time West Ham defender James Tomkins headed West Ham into the lead after Stewart Downing's corner was headed past Foster.

Victor Anichebe was a constant threat for the Baggies, but simply couldn't find a way past the Hammers defence, and 'keeper Adrian. In fact Anichebe was involved in the first goal. James Tomkins had a nightmare start to the game as he fouled Anichebe on the edge of the box, Dorrans delivered the ball over and Dawson was first to react as he headed it past Adrian from six yards out.

West Ham bounced straight back and ten minutes later had a chance from a goal line scramble. But Nolan was adjudged to have committed a foul in the scramble and referee Michael Jones gave a costless kick. But 15 minutes later Sam Allardyce's men levelled it up. It was the old Newcastle connection as Andy Carroll tried a spectacular overhead kick, which was saved by Adrian but put into the path of Nolan, who slotted home the rebound.

Going into half time Tomkins redeemed himself for the foul as he headed Downing's corner over Adrian and into the net, meaning the Hammers went in at the break in the lead.

After half time Albion were on top, they dominated but simply couldn't find a way back into the game. Joleon Lescott headed down a costless kick for Dawson but he couldn't grab a second, his half volley went wide. Anichebe continued to be a thorn in the side of Adrian and the West Ham defence, James Collins was strong and he and Adrian linked up well to keep out a late WBA equaliser.

Despite Diafra Sakho still being out, West Ham are finding ways to score, Enner Valencia came on but couldn't add to his tally. West Ham are full of confidence right now, and will look to keep the ball rolling when Swansea visit Upton Park on Sunday. West Brom however will travel to Hull on Saturday looking to grab a win and put some distance between them and the relegation zone.