West Ham United 1-0 Chelsea
Oh yes it was!
Yet as pantomime season approaches in England, this was no farce nor frolic in the park.
For David Moyes’ men defied the betting odds and most betting tips with a display which belied their league status.
Football games against the reigning champions have traditionally inspired the Hammers down the years and this was no different.
However, not only did they win with some panache, but they answered the difficult questions when Chelsea came calling.
A first victory for new manager David Moyes in his fifth game in charge but also a first goal for the club – indeed his first in eight months – for a player who has become something of a maverick.
On his day, Marko Arnautovic can trouble the best of opponents.
That is presumably what prompted West Ham to part with a club record £24 million in the summer to lure him from Stoke.
Problem is, the Austrian has not had enough of those days.
But this result and performance could just be the kick-start both manager and maverick need at their new employers.
The goal, a deft finish following a one-two with Manuel Lanzini, provided the magic moment just six minutes in.
They rode their luck shortly afterwards, surviving a penalty appeal after Alvaro Morata went down, and Chelsea did have chances.
Yet the goal had given West Ham, and Arnautovic in particular, a massive confidence boost.
At the other end, under pressure goalkeeper Adrian repelled most of what was thrown at him as the hosts finished the half on top.
The decision to not recall Joe Hart at the expense of Adrian was a brave call by Moyes but one which was totally justified.
It was Chelsea’s turn to escape a penalty call shortly after the re-start when Andreas Christensen appeared to handle the ball in the box.
The game remained on a knife edge with West Ham showing more resistance than they have during most of this campaign and Michail Antonio always a threat up front.
With Eden Hazard largely subdued, Chelsea were dangerous only in patches and lacking fluidity.
Then, with seven minutes left, came the moment Chelsea hoped.
N’Golo Kante linked up with Morata on the edge of the box and the Spaniard had the goal at his mercy.
In blazing it wide, the chance had gone and, with it, surely Chelsea’s already faint hopes of retaining the Premier League.
They are already 11 points off the pace and are realistically out of the title race before Christmas.
As for West Ham, they remain in the drop zone but with more defensive resilience and general desire like this, they will quickly move up the table.
This was a day when both manager and their maverick number seven shone.
Oh yes they did!
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