West Ham’s final preseason game in the United States saw them face London rivals Crystal Place in Tampa. Coming off a 3-1 loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Hammers hope that they can get the best of the South London side whom were undefeated in their preseason tour in the USA after beating Wolves earlier this week.
There were only three changes from the side that lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers in Florida last weekend as Max Kilman enters the starting XI alongside birthday boy Emerson and Jamaican international Michail Antonio.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski remains in the side for West Ham alongside Vladamir Coufal, Konstantinos Mavropanos, captain Aaron Cresswell, Tomas Souček, James Ward-Prowse, Freddie Potts and Mohammed Kudus.
-
Story of the match
There was no long wait for action as Crystal Palace opened the scoring swiftly with a goal from Tyrick Mitchell as he received the ball from Nathaniel Clyne at the edge of the box, blasting the ball past Lukasz Fabianski and putting Crystal Palace ahead within the first 22 seconds of the game.
Oliver Glasners side were close to doubling their lead in Tampa seven minutes later, as Edouard forced a save from Fabianski, attempting to slot the ball into the bottom left corner with a powerful strike in hopes of making it more comfortable for the Eagles.
The experienced Polish keeper would yet again be tested by Edouard early on in the first half as another shot came sailing towards goal but was quickly stopped, denying the Frenchman of the goal he so hungry for and keeping West Ham in the game.
Fortunately for West Ham they finally found an equaliser through Michail Antonio, as Joachim Andersen missed the ball and was out paced by the Hammers number 9 putting him through on goal. With only Dean Henderson to beat, the Jamaican calmly slotted the ball in the back of the net and levelling the game at 1-1 in the first 20 minutes.
West Ham began to liven up after grabbing the equaliser and nearly came close to grabbing the lead as Czech national Vladimir Coufal found the ball at the corner flag, crossing the ball into the box which met the crossbar along its journey and deflecting towards the feet of Emerson who’s shot was swiftly blocked by Andersen, professionally denying the Hammers the lead.
With only a few minutes left of the first half, Palace were beginning to knock on the door with a Nathaniel Clyne cross landing at the feet of Jordan Ayew whom unluckily drags the shot wide of the post, keeping the game level going into half time.
The second half saw the introduction of Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd for young midfielder Freddie Potts in hopes to improve their shaky defensive displays of the first half.
The South London based side were quick to start the second half, as Edouard danced past a fresh legged Aguerd and a fatigued Coufal before being met by Emerson whom was swift to break the Palace attack and boot the ball out of play.
Before being replaced by promising youngster Callum Marshall, Michail Antonio had one last attempt to create a goal for the Hammers as he sprinted down the wing, producing a delightful cross to James Ward-Prowse who’s shot is suddenly met by Palace's Mitchell displaying yet again some brilliant defending.
Palace retook the lead through Jeffrey Schlupp after a delightful ball in from Jordan Ayew met the head of the Ghanaian, bouncing the ball past Fabianski and into the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the United States.
This Palace lead would quickly be extended after a short hydration break as Edouard capitalised from an Aguerd mistake at the back, hobbling the ball to the Frenchman’s feet allowing him to finally get the goal he was so hungry for.
With 8 minutes left to play of normal time, new signing Daichi Kamada played the ball through to Schlupp who had the chance to make it a brace for himself and to make it embarrassing for the Hammers.
However a great save from Fabianski denied the Ghanaian and spared the West Ham defence’s blushes, as the game ended 3-1 to Crystal Palace, who were crowned the Stateside Cup champions.
-
Player of the match- Odsonne Edouard
Forcing many saves from West Ham’s number 1 and making it a stressful night for the Hammers defence, it is no doubt that Edouard is the player of the match. Showing both versatility and awareness upfront for the Eagles it is looking like a very promising season for the Frenchman under Oliver Glasner.
