Sport nationWest Ham United’s Fighting Spirit Earns Them a Point at Fulham
In a thrilling encounter at Craven Cottage, West Ham United came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Fulham, thanks to a late equalizer from Danny Ings. The striker’s first league goal since March capped off a resilient performance from the Hammers, who showed great fighting spirit to bounce back from their 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City last time out.
Manager Julen Lopetegui was pleased with his team’s reaction, saying: “We showed fight and we ran a lot, but we can do better and that’s my feeling.” The Spanish boss acknowledged that his team can improve, particularly with possession, but was delighted with the spirit and determination shown by his players.
Ings’ goal was a testament to his hard work and dedication, having been close to leaving the club during the transfer window. Lopetegui praised the striker, saying: “I think he’s a good example. Ings more or less was out in the summer, but he’s stayed and he worked very hard despite not playing – he’s a good example.”
The match was a tale of two halves, with Fulham dominating the first 45 minutes and taking the lead through Raul Jimenez’s strike. However, West Ham came out stronger in the second half, with Ings’ equalizer sparking a late surge from the visitors.
Despite struggling with possession, West Ham’s fighting spirit and determination earned them a valuable point. Lopetegui’s men showed great resilience in the face of adversity, and their late equalizer was a testament to their never-say-die attitude.
The draw follows West Ham’s 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City last time out, and Lopetegui was pleased with his team’s reaction. “In the end, it was black and white, we have a point,” he said.
West Ham’s performance was not without its flaws, however. The team struggled with possession, and Fulham’s dominance in the first half could have seen them take a more commanding lead. However, Lopetegui’s men showed great resilience and determination to bounce back and secure a point.
Ings’ goal was a highlight of the match, with the striker powering past Bernd Leno to score his first league goal since March. The striker’s celebration was a testament to his dedication and hard work, and Lopetegui was delighted with his performance.
“Danny Ings is a good example,” Lopetegui said. “He was close to leaving the club, but he stayed and worked very hard. He’s a good example for the team.”
West Ham’s fighting spirit and determination earned them a valuable point at Fulham, and Lopetegui’s men will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures. With Chelsea and Manchester United next up, the Hammers will need to show great resilience and determination to secure positive results.
However, Lopetegui is confident in his team’s ability, saying: “We have to improve with the ball, we can do better. But I am happy with the reaction, the feeling, and spirit of the team.”
West Ham’s draw at Fulham was a testament to their fighting spirit and determination, and Lopetegui’s men will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures. With great resilience and determination, the Hammers can achieve great things this season.
Match Statistics:
- Possession: Fulham 55%, West Ham 45%
- Shots on Target: Fulham 6, West Ham 4
- Corners: Fulham 7, West Ham 5
- Fouls: Fulham 12, West Ham 15
Player Ratings:
- Danny Ings (West Ham): 8/10
- Jarrod Bowen (West Ham): 7/10
- Raul Jimenez (Fulham): 8/10
- Bernd Leno (Fulham): 6/10
Upcoming Fixtures:
- West Ham vs. Chelsea (September 21)
- West Ham vs. Manchester United (September 28)
- Fulham vs. Liverpool (September 21)
- Fulham vs. Everton (September 28)
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