West Ham 1-0 Manchester United: David De Gea howler sees United stumble in Premier League top-four race

West Ham United beat Manchester United 1-0 to end a run of three consecutive defeats and take a huge step towards Premier League safety.

The match started with an unrelenting pace as both teams tried to get forward.

Marcus Rashford had Manchester United’s first big chance after 18 minutes when his effort struck the near post.

West Ham took the lead thanks to an awful error from David De Gea. Said Benrahma was surrounded by three defenders so opted to fire on goal from distance and De Gea was unable to keep it out.

Just five minutes later Erik ten Hag’s side struck the post again, this time Antony unleashed a vicious effort which grazed the outside of the upright.

The Hammers were controversially denied a penalty at the end of the first half when Victor Lindelof appeared to handle in the penalty area.

David Moyes’s side came out for the second-half with renewed energy and started to dominate proceedings in search of a second goal.

West Ham had the ball in the back of the net for a second time when Michail Antonio pounced from close range, but the referee had adjudged Antonio to have fouled De Gea.

Ten Hag brought on Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho in an effort to give United more attacking potency but West Ham stood firm to see out a win and three precious points towards their bid for survival.

TALKING POINT – A GIANT STEP TOWARDS SAFETY

Nothing is guaranteed in football until it’s mathematically confirmed, but West Ham have taken a monumental step towards maintaining their Premier League status. They came into this match on a run of three straight defeats against a Manchester United side battling for a UEFA Champions League place and have finished as 1-0 victors. David Moyes’s side were resilient, worked hard and for long periods looked the side more likely to score the next goal. They are now 15th on 37 points, seven points clear of the relegation zone and with how poor the sides below them have been particularly in recent weeks, West Ham can consider themselves all but safe for another season.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – DECLAN RICE (WEST HAM UNITED)

West Ham United’s captain was brilliant today for his side. His defensive work was outstanding, winning seven duels, making four interceptions and two tackles but we frequently saw another side of his game. Going forward Rice was excellent, progressing his side up the pitch with accurate forward passes and some great footwork – completing all four of his dribble attempts. It was an accomplished performance from the 24-year-old midfielder.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

18′ RASHFORD STRIKES THE POST! – Bruno Fernandes lays the ball off to Rashford who cuts inside before rifling his effort onto the near post.

27′ GOAL – WEST HAM UNITED – West Ham lead thanks to a monumental error from David De Gea. Said Benhrama is crowded out so tries his luck from distance and De Gea fails to keep it out. Astonishing!

33′ ANTONY STRIKES THE POST! – Antony comes into a central area before unleashing a vicious effort which grazes the outside of the post.

52′ NO GOAL – De Gea goes down in the box and Antonio’s goal will not stand. Antonio looked to have fouled the Spanish keeper.

57′ RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE OF GOAL! – Declan Rice does brilliantly inside the penalty area before playing a ball across the box but there isn’t a West Ham player on hand to capitalise.

73′ NO GOAL – OFFSIDE – That would have been a tremendous goal! Paqueta fires in a cross which Soucek meets but it’s immediately flagged for offside.

90′ A HUGE SAVE FROM FABIANSKI – Anthony Martial bursts into the penalty area before firing an effort on target which Fabianski tips out for a corner.

PLAYER RATINGS

West Ham United: Fabianski 8, Kehrer 8, Aguerd 7, Ogbonna 7, Cresswell 7, Soucek 7, Rice 9, Bowen 7, Paqueta 7, Benrahma 8, Antonio 7. Subs: Fornals 6, Emerson N/A, Johnson N/A, Downes N/A

Manchester United: De Gea 5, Malacia 6, Shaw 6, Lindelof 6, Wan-Bissaka 6, Eriksen 7, Casemiro 6, Fernandes 7, Weghorst 6, Antony 7, Rashford 6. Subs: Martial 6, Sabitzer 6, Sancho 6, Dalot N/A, Fred N/A

KEY STAT

This victory means David Moyes has ended his 10-game winless run against his former club Manchester United.