Sunday, January 22

Carroll and Calleri see off Boro

Middlesbrough 1 West Ham 3

So that's a 100 per cent win record post-Payetgate. Another great result for the Irons. Even with whiplash Andy Carroll managed to power home an unstoppable header from a corner. But after a bright start by the away side Traore threatened for the Tessiders and the unattended Stuani slotted home after a fine move. But the Hammers showed character to come back to lead as Valdes could only palm Antonio's shot into the path of Big Andy.

The Hammers had to repel a Boro onslaught in the second half as Stuani hit the bar, but Lanzini also missed a clear chance and late on Calleri hit a half-volley wide when he could have taken a touch and scored. Deep in added time Antonio broke and after Fernandes inexplicably opted to pass and not shoot, Lanzini kept the ball alive and crossed for Calleri to fire home a heavily deflected shot. We never doubted you for a moment, Jonathan.

After the game Bilic revealed that Angelo Ogbonna has played all season with an injury and following the signing of Fonte will now have an operation on his knee. So let's give a lot of credit to Oggy for his commitment — Dimitri take note. This also explains why we might have struggled at the back this season. We're now on 28 points, tenth, and things are looking up. Irons!

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